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Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide
Red Hat Linux 9: Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide Copyright © 2003 by Red Hat, Inc.
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rhl-gsg(EN)-9-Print-RHI (2003-02-20T01:05) Copyright © 2003 by Red Hat, Inc. This material may be distributed only subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Open Publication License, V1.0 or later (the latest version is presently available at http://www.opencontent.org/openpub/). Distribution of substantively modified versions of this document is prohibited without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Distribution of the work or derivative of the work in any standard (paper) book form for commercial purposes is prohibited unless prior permission is obtained from the copyright holder. Red Hat, Red Hat Network, the Red Hat "Shadow Man" logo, RPM, Maximum RPM, the RPM logo, Linux Library, PowerTools, Linux Undercover, RHmember, RHmember More, Rough Cuts, Rawhide and all Red Hat-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Motif and UNIX are registered trademarks of The Open Group. Intel and Pentium are a registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Itanium and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation. AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Duron, and AMD K6 are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Netscape is a registered trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. SSH and Secure Shell are trademarks of SSH Communications Security, Inc. FireWire is a trademark of Apple Computer Corporation. All other trademarks and copyrights referred to are the property of their respective owners. The GPG fingerprint of the firstname.lastname@example.com key is: CA 20 86 86 2B D6 9D FC 65 F6 EC C4 21 91 80 CD DB 42 A6 0E
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... i 1. Changes to This Manual ........................................................................................................ i 2. Document Conventions......................................................................................................... ii 3. Copying and Pasting Text With X........................................................................................ iv 4. Using the Mouse ................................................................................................................... v 5. We Need Feedback! .............................................................................................................. v 6. Sign Up for Support .............................................................................................................. v 1. Getting Started ................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. Setup Agent....................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Introductory Terms............................................................................................................. 3 1.3. Logging In.......................................................................................................................... 5 1.3.1. Graphical Login .................................................................................................. 5 1.3.2. Virtual Console Login......................................................................................... 6 1.4. Graphical Interface............................................................................................................. 6 1.5. Opening a Shell Prompt ..................................................................................................... 7 1.6. Creating a User Account.................................................................................................... 7 1.7. Documentation and Help ................................................................................................... 8 1.7.1. Manual Pages ...................................................................................................... 9 1.7.2. Red Hat Linux Documentation ......................................................................... 10 1.8. Logging Out ..................................................................................................................... 11 1.8.1. Graphical Logout .............................................................................................. 11 1.8.2. Virtual Console Logout..................................................................................... 11 1.9. Shutting Down your Computer ........................................................................................ 11 1.9.1. Graphical Shutdown.......................................................................................... 11 1.9.2. Virtual Console Shutdown ................................................................................ 12 2. Using the Graphical Desktop ....................................................................................................... 13 2.1. Using the Desktop............................................................................................................ 13 2.2. Using the Panel ................................................................................................................ 14 2.2.1. Using the Main Menu ...................................................................................... 14 2.2.2. Using Applets.................................................................................................... 14 2.2.3. Using the Notification Area .............................................................................. 15 2.2.4. Adding Icons and Applets to the Panel............................................................. 16 2.2.5. Configuring the Desktop Panel ......................................................................... 16 2.3. Using Nautilus ................................................................................................................ 16 2.4. Start Here ......................................................................................................................... 17 2.4.1. Customizing the Desktop.................................................................................. 18 2.4.2. Customizing your System ................................................................................. 19 2.5. Logging Out ..................................................................................................................... 20 3. Configuring the Date and Time ................................................................................................... 21 3.1. Time and Date Properties................................................................................................. 21 3.2. Time Zone Configuration................................................................................................. 21 4. Diskettes and CD-ROMs .............................................................................................................. 23 4.1. Using Diskettes ................................................................................................................ 23 4.1.1. Mounting and Unmounting a Diskette.............................................................. 23 4.1.2. Putting Linux Files on an MS-DOS Diskette ................................................... 24 4.1.3. Formatting a Diskette........................................................................................ 24 4.2. CD-ROMs ........................................................................................................................ 25 4.2.1. Using CD-ROMs with Your File Manager ....................................................... 26 4.2.2. Using CD-ROMs From a Shell Prompt ............................................................ 26 4.3. CD-Rs and CD-RWs ........................................................................................................ 26 4.3.1. Using CD Creator............................................................................................ 27 4.3.2. Using X-CD-Roast........................................................................................... 28
.. The OpenOffice.............................. 60 8....... 41 6............................................................. Troubleshooting Your Video Card ...............3.................................................... 50 8...... Getting Online ....1..... The Printer Configuration Tool .. Video................................ Games ...1..... 63 9................................................................3........3................................................... 45 7................1.................................................................................3....................... Selecting the Printer Model and Finishing.......... Additional Resources ....................................................1............3.............................6...............................7..................... Additional Resources .......org Suite......... 35 6................................ 32 4..7....... OpenOffice.........1. 74 10....................................................................2.................................................................4............................ 60 8................................................................................................................................1.....1...3........ Troubleshooting Your Sound Card ..............................................................................................................2...................... Galeon ......................................................................2.............................................. Web Browsing...... 53 8........................... Mozilla and Newsgroups .....................................1......1........................................3.......... 73 10.........org Calc ...... Printing a Test Page........................................................5..................5........................... Mozilla Mail.......5................................................................. Web Browser Keyboard Shortcuts ....................................................org Draw....... 74 10...................................2... Installed Documentation ..........................2............................................................................................. Using Mutt .... and General Amusement.1............................ Useful Websites ...............................5..................... 67 9..........................1...................................... 64 9........................1................. 30 4.............. 76 10..................... Useful Websites ............. OpenOffice.... Playing Digital Audio Files ........................................4............................... 56 8.................................................................................................................... 63 9..................................................................................................... 61 9....................................................1.......2.........................................2.............1....4..1........................5........... 54 8........................ 39 6...... Shell Prompt Text Editors ............................................................................................................. OpenOffice..... Mozilla..3.................................................. Modifying Existing Printers........................ Working with Documents..........2.........................................1....... OpenOffice.................... 53 8..................................................................... 69 9............................................................ 43 7..............................................4.......................................3............... 75 10......... Managing Print Jobs ........ 77 ................................ 55 8........ 39 6........ Queue Type .............3................................... 47 7..................................... Using XMMS ............ 57 8.......... 69 9............................. Using Mozilla............. Printer Driver.......................................................................... 57 8.. 65 9.3....... 41 6.............................2............................ OpenOffice........................................... 71 9......... Evolution........................................................................................................................................................ 57 8........... Installed Documentation ......4............................................... Queue Name .. 57 8.....................................1.... Editing Text Files ............................................ 32 4.................... 39 6........................................................ 73 10.........1.............................................. Confirming Printer Configuration ..... Mozilla Composer.................. 33 5....................... 63 9.............................. Using CD-Rs and CD-RWs with Command Line Tools ............................................................................................1........................ 58 8....................................2.....6... 75 10..... Viewing PDFs ...4........... Email Applications................................................................1.....................................1............................................................ 50 7.......................................org Impress........1................. 73 10..............2................5......................................... Printer Configuration .............................. Finding Games Online ..............1........................ Driver Options........4...........................................................................................4................ Plain Text Email Clients .......................................................7................................................ If Sound Card Configuration Tool Does Not Work......................2....................org Writer ........ 45 7......................................................................................... 55 8......... 53 8.......................................... Playing Audio CDs .......................... Adding a Local Printer............5...........................2................................................................. 49 7... 71 10................ Audio...3..org Features........
..............2...................................................................................... 95 13..................... Printing From The Command Line..................... 96 13.................. 89 13.................... 115 14................. Working with Images..................7............ Pipes and Pagers .........................2............ 83 11.................................................... 114 14......... 103 13.... 100 13... 89 13..........11............. 101 13.................3..................................2.......11..................... 111 14............. Managing Files and Directories .............................................10............ GIMP Options ...............3.................. 85 11..........5......10.......................................... 84 11..............1.......................... 79 11..............................14.................................... 93 13...... 108 14...................................... 112 14.............................. Command History and Tab Completion ............4.....................................................1................ 90 13.......1........... 99 13............ 119 14........................................1............................................................ Clearing and Resetting the Terminal.................. Useful Websites .......... Using Nautilus to View Images.... Installed Documentation ........14.............. 87 12.....2........................... Using gtKam ...............3...................... 87 13.... 113 14.........................................................3.......................................4.....3............ 85 11.......................................................... 99 13.....................1....................................................................................................................... 86 12.................................................... 111 14........................ 82 11. Manipulating Files at the Shell Prompt ............................................... 104 13............................................................................ Using Redirection ... The head Command ........1........................................................... GIMP Basics .......................2......................... The tail Command...3........................ 106 13..........................................1......4.2......2....2...12................. 113 14.................................... 84 11.........................................................................11. 117 14........................ Changing Permissions With Numbers .................... I/O Redirection and Pipes .....3............... 96 13.............14.... The grep Command.......................................... A Larger Picture of the File System ....... Locating Files and Directories ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Manipulating Files with cat..4........................................... File Formats ............................................................. Programming and Scripting Files .......................................................1..............................................................................3....................................... 82 11....................1....1..................11...9......2.......................................13........... Compressing Files at the Shell Prompt.. 119 .........................2...........................................11.... 94 13................. Appending Standard Output .................. 79 11...........................9....................................2.................................................... File Compression and Archiving ........................................................................4.. Viewing Images.................1...........11.......................................1............ 101 13............. Saving a File ............................................................ 95 13........ 112 14.................... Using File Roller............. Changing Directories with cd .................. The chmod Command.... Compressed and Archived Files ............................................................................................................. The more Command ............ 102 13....................................................................... Ownership and Permissions.............. Working with Digital Cameras ........ 101 13................. 102 13...... 104 13.. System Files ........3..............1........ Archiving Files at the Shell Prompt..2........................................................................................................................ Wildcards and Regular Expressions....... Manipulating Images with the GIMP................................................... Why Use a Shell Prompt.....................5....................... 112 14...........................................................................................................................11......................... 98 13.....6.....9.........1............ Redirecting Standard Input ... 79 11.................... View Directory Contents with ls...................... Using Multiple Commands ...2.............. Creating Files ............2...................... Shell Prompt Basics .................................... The History of the Shell............................................................................... Determining Your Current Directory with pwd .....................................................2........................................ 90 13...........3........................ Identifying and Working with File Types ......3...............................3........................................ 80 11................................................... 101 13.........3................. Using gThumb ......................... 85 11.....................2..3........................................... 89 13................3..... Related Books ........................ Loading a File ...............................................................................2...........8........2..4........1............... 112 14.................................. Additional Resources .....9..... More Commands for Reading Text Files....1..............................................................................2........................
........................... 146 A..... Moving Files ......4.....4.................................................................... 125 15............ 149 D...........................................................................................................................................5.............. 141 A.......................................................................7............................................3.......................10...................................................... 137 A..........................................................4...................... 127 16.................................... 131 16........... Starting Applications ................................ 132 16. Finding Commands Quickly .....................................................................................................7.................................. The Navigation Panel............. Errata List............................................3............................................2........10................................ 143 A..........................4.................... 139 A........................................ Using Konqueror to View Images ........ 140 A.....2............... Printing ls Output............................................................................ Using Applets..................................... Frequently Asked Questions ...................6............ 147 C.............. 155 Colophon............................................ 126 16..................................... 127 16.......3..................... 127 16. Downloaded Packages ........................................... Logging Out of KDE.................................... 123 15...................................................... Finding Help ...... 135 A.1.... 140 A.............................3...........6. 151 E............................................................8....................... 144 A....................... 135 A.................... 136 A. Red Hat Network ............................................................. Configuring the KDE Panel ................. System Directories......... Tips on Using Command History .......... Deleting Files and Directories ................................................... Using The Desktop..........................3............................................................14...... 141 A................ Adding Icons and Applets to the Panel .......................4.....7.............................................................................................................3.....................................................................................4..............................................................2................................................................................................... 161 .........................1......................................... 119 14............................ KDE: The K Desktop Environment ....... 137 A......... Error Messages During Installation of RPMs............................. Keep ls Output from Scrolling ...................................................................................9..........1.................................................... Localhost Login and Password ................ 121 15.................... 128 16.......................................................................... 132 A....................... Installing and Updating Red Hat Linux Packages....6..................................................................................................... Keyboard Shortcuts ........................................ 135 A........................ Managing Files.....................................................................................8......................................... Password Maintenance.................. 131 16. A Comparison of Common DOS and Linux Commands ..... Editing Your PATH .9...............................................................4....................................................4............................................................................................ 146 B.....5... 120 14......................................... 129 16..................................................................................... Using The Main Menu........ 130 16.... Copying Files . 127 16.......1......................................................2.... Applications ............................................................ Introducing KDE................................ Accessing a Windows Partition .....4...........4................................... 130 16. Other Shortcuts ..................... Changing Login from Console to X at Startup ........4........................ Using The Panel ................ Customizing KDE ............................................................................... 153 Index................................................................................................................................................2.......................... 135 A.......................................... 131 16.................................................1. Forgotten Password...1..........................5..................4... 131 16........................................................... Browsing the Web with Konqueror .............................................. Installation CD-ROMs ....... 125 15........................................................................................... KMail ......................... 123 15.......1.......1...........
com/docs/.Introduction Welcome to the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide! By now. and getting online. with an open mind. feels. the tasks covered in this manual become progressively more advanced. You will find useful tips. and performs differently from other operating systems you may have used. and screen shots interspersed throughout. hints. This manual is designed to help new and intermediate Linux users navigate and perform common tasks. the Red Hat Linux System Administration Primer. Changes to This Manual This manual has been expanded to include new features in Red Hat Linux 9 as well as topics requested by our readers. the Red Hat Linux Reference Guide. Forget about the conventions of other operating systems and. First. Once the basics are covered. you should have read the Red Hat Linux Installation Guide and successfully installed Red Hat Linux. configuring a printer. HTML and PDF versions of the Red Hat Linux manuals are available on the Red Hat Linux Documentation CD and online at http://www. Keep in mind that Linux looks. you should read the Red Hat Linux Release Notes for information that may not have been available prior to our documentation being finalized.redhat. such as customizing a desktop. you will learn the basics of using Red Hat Linux. you may need information on more advanced topics. The Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide focuses primarily on how to perform tasks in these two environments. . Topics discussed include: • • • • • Using the graphical desktop environment Managing files and directories Working with documents Using the Web and email Working with a digital camera After conquering the basics of your Red Hat Linux system.redhat. interesting. and versatile alternative. approach Red Hat Linux as a new.com/docs/ 1. Changes to this manual include: Working with Digital Cameras This new chapter discusses using a digital camera with gtKam. You can find this information in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide. Note Although this manual reflects the most current information possible. This manual is task-oriented. warnings. and the Red Hat Linux Security Guide. Most users choose to work within either the GNOME or KDE graphical desktop environments (other desktop environments are also available). They can be found on the Red Hat Linux CD #1 and online at: http://www.
bashrc file in your home directory contains bash shell definitions and aliases for your own use. Sometimes a command contains words that would be displayed in a different style on their own (such as filenames). The /etc/fstab file contains information about different system devices and filesystems. In these cases. This style should indicate that a particular file or directory exists by that name on your Red Hat Linux system. 2. in the current working directory. your time zone. .ii Configuring Date and Time Introduction A chapter on configuring your system time. you will see that certain words are represented in different fonts. when used) are represented this way. Diskettes and CD-ROMs This chapter now includes information about backing up files to CD-R and CD-RW media using CD Creator in Nautilus. Working with Documents This chapter includes information on editing text files in a graphical environment (with gEdit) and at a shell prompt (with vi). named testfile. Document Conventions When you read this manual. This highlighting is systematic. application This style indicates that the program is an end-user application (as opposed to system software). so the entire phrase will be displayed as a command. typefaces. and RPM package names are represented this way. For example: Use Mozilla to browse the Web. Using the Graphical Desktop This chapter has been modified to reflect the new desktop environment and the various ways you can use and configure it. and more. paths. Install the webalizer RPM if you want to use a Web server log file analysis program. filename Filenames. This style should indicate to you that you can type the word or phrase on the command line and press [Enter] to invoke a command. The types of words that are represented this way include the following: command Linux commands (and other operating system commands. sizes. directory names. Examples: The . and weights. For example: Use the cat testfile command to view the contents of a file. manage your printer. and how to connect to a network time server to get accurate time and date information for your Red Hat Linux system has been moved from the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide to this manual. different words are represented in the same style to indicate their inclusion in a specific category. they are considered to be part of the command. including how to change your desktop background.
When you see text shown in this style. it indicates that the word is the top level of a pulldown menu. For example: Use the ls command to display the contents of a directory: $ ls Desktop Mail about. For example: The [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[Backspace] key combination will exit your graphical session and return you to the graphical login screen or the console. If you click on the word on the GUI screen. error messages. type in a character and then press the [Tab] key. the rest of the menu should appear. the contents of the directory) is shown in this style. button on a GUI screen or window This style indicates that the text will be found on a clickable button on a GUI screen. If you need to type in a sequence of commands from a GUI menu. [key]-[combination] A combination of keystrokes is represented in this way. you will see the New Tab option that allows you to open multiple shell prompts in the same window. You will see responses to commands you typed in. Your terminal will display the list of files in the directory that start with that letter. Examples: $ # [stephen@maturin stephen]$ . and interactive prompts for your input during scripts or programs shown this way. For example: iii To use [Tab] completion. it is being used to identify a particular GUI screen or an element on a GUI screen (such as text associated with a checkbox or field). word. computer output When you see text in this style. it indicates text displayed by the computer on the command line. they will be shown like the following example: Go to Main Menu Button (on the Panel) => Programming => Emacs to start the Emacs text editor. Example: Select the Require Password checkbox if you would like your screensaver to require a password before stopping. prompt A prompt. will be shown in this style.png reports The output returned in response to the command (in this case. For example: Under File on a GNOME terminal. text found on a GUI interface A title. For example: Click on the Back button to return to the webpage you last viewed. top level of a menu on a GUI screen or window When you see a word in this style.html backupfiles logs mail paulwesterberg. or phrase found on a GUI interface screen or window will be shown in this style. which is a computer's way of signifying that it is ready for you to input something.Introduction [key] A key on the keyboard is shown in this style.
. In order of how critical the information is to your system. In other words. is displayed in this style. Caution Do not perform routine tasks as root — use a regular user account unless you need to use the root account for system administration tasks. either on the command line. or a warning. a rose is not a ROSE is not a rOsE. caution. For example: Note Remember that Linux is case sensitive. Warning If you choose not to partition manually. a server installation will remove all existing partitions on all installed hard drives.iv Introduction leopard login: user input Text that the user has to type. or into a text box on a GUI screen. important. the changes will not take effect until you restart the DHCP daemon. In the following example. Do not choose this installation class unless you are sure you have no data you need to save. Additionally. tip. we use several different strategies to draw your attention to certain pieces of information. Important If you modify the DHCP configuration file. Tip The directory /usr/share/doc contains additional documentation for packages installed on your system. you will need to type in the text command at the boot: prompt. text is displayed in this style: To boot your system into the text based installation program. these items will be marked as note.
You will find your Product ID on a black.redhat.com/apps/activate/. pressing both mouse buttons at the same time equates to pressing the missing third (middle) button. and white card in your Red Hat Linux box.) The phrase "drag and drop" may be familiar to you. click on something and hold the mouse button down. that will be explicitly stated. When you've reached the desired location. We Need Feedback! If you spot a typographical error in the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide. 5. Copying and Pasting Text With X Copying and pasting text is easy using your mouse and the X Window System. If you need to use the middle or right mouse button. go to http://www.com/bugzilla/) against the component rhl-gsg. you should have selected three-button emulation during the installation process. release the mouse button to drop the item. that means click the left mouse button. If you have found an error. . You will be entitled to any or all of the following benefits. please include the section number and some of the surrounding text so we can find it easily.redhat. simply click and drag your mouse over the text to highlight it. To copy text. get the latest news and product information directly from Red Hat. be sure to mention the manual's identifier: rhl-gsg(EN)-9-Print-RHI (2003-02-20T01:05) If you have a suggestion for improving the documentation.com for more details. If you're instructed to drag and drop an item on your GUI desktop. or if you have thought of a way to make this manual better. try to be as specific as possible when describing it. (This will be reversed if you've configured your mouse to be used by a left handed person. click the middle mouse button in the spot where the text should be placed.'s support team.Introduction v 3. When submitting a bug report. To sign up. Sign Up for Support If you have an edition of Red Hat Linux 9. Inc. If you're using three-button emulation. red. Using the Mouse Red Hat Linux is designed to use a three-button mouse. we would love to hear from you! Please submit a report in Bugzilla (http://bugzilla. Go to http://rhn. depending upon the Red Hat Linux product you purchased: • • • Red Hat support — Get help with your installation questions from Red Hat. To paste the text somewhere.redhat. In this document. please remember to sign up for the benefits you are entitled to as a Red Hat customer. 4. Under the Brim: The Red Hat E-Newsletter — Every month. drag the item by moving the mouse to a new location. 6. While continuing to hold down the mouse button. If you have a two-button mouse. if you are instructed to click with the mouse on something. Red Hat Network — Easily update your packages and receive security notices that are customized for your system.
Good luck.vi Introduction To read more about technical support for Red Hat Linux. refer to the Getting Technical Support Appendix in the Red Hat Linux Installation Guide. and thank you for choosing Red Hat Linux! The Red Hat Documentation Team .
Setup Agent The first time you start your Red Hat Linux system. Getting Started From booting up to shutting down. The Setup Agent guides you through the configuration of your Red Hat Linux system. This chapter guides you through some basic tasks that you can perform on your Red Hat Linux system. an optional full name for the account.Chapter 1. Using this tool. as you may damage your system or unintentionally delete a file. register your machine with the Red Hat Network. Setup Agent The Setup Agent first prompts you to create a user account that you should use on a routine basis. and a password (which you must enter twice). 1. Setup Agent allows you to configure your environment at the beginning. the Setup Agent is presented. .1. you can set your system time and date. The Setup Agent lets you enter a username. Red Hat Linux provides tools and applications to help you get the most out of your computing environment. This creates a user account that you can use to log into your Red Hat Linux system and which has its own home directory on the system to store files. install software. whether you are working or playing. so that you can get started using your Red Hat Linux system quickly. Figure 1-1. add users to your system. It is not recommended to log in to your root account for common computing tasks. and more.
I would like to register my system with Red Hat Network. use the calendar interface. click Forward to continue.redhat.com/docs/manuals/RHNetwork/. Once you have set your time and date. Getting Started Figure 1-2. For more information about Red Hat Network and registering your machine. and year on your system. Date and Time Configuration To register your system with Red Hat Network and receive automatic updates of your Red Hat Linux system. choose Yes. To set the day. month. This will start the Red Hat Update Agent — a utility that guides you step-by-step through the registration of your machine with Red Hat Network. You may also synchronize your date and time automatically with a network time server — a computer that sends accurate date and time settings to your system through a network connection. minutes. Selecting No.2 Chapter 1. User Account The Setup Agent allows you to manually set your machine's date and time. Check the box labeled Enable Network Time Protocol and use the drop-down menu to select the time server you want to use. . use the provided text boxes. I do not want to register my system skips the registration. To set your time in hours. which adjusts the clock on your computer's BIOS (Basic Input Output System). and seconds. refer to the Red Hat Network documentation at http://www. Figure 1-3.
and follow the instructions.Chapter 1. Press Forward to exit the Setup Agent. click the Install. Insert the CD containing the software or documentation you want to install.. Introductory Terms When you learn about a new operating system. 1. choose the package(s) or component you want to install. you should also learn new terminology. This section defines a few basic terms you should learn.. Figure 1-5. change the CD. and. click the Install. button.2. or documentation from the Red Hat Linux Documentation CD. Red Hat Network Registration Client To install Red Hat Linux RPM packages that you did not install during installation. button. Installing Additional Software Now that your system is configured. You will see these terms often throughout all Red Hat Linux documentation including the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide: . Getting Started 3 Figure 1-4. you must insert CD 1. Note If you are installing a package from the Red Hat Linux Installation CDs. if prompted . you are ready to log in and start using Red Hat Linux. you can do so at the Additional CDs screen. software from third-party providers...
shortcut or system resource (such as a diskette drive). Icons are small images representing an application. • • • • • • • Figure 1-6. Graphical Desktop: The most visible area of a GUI. Panels can also be customized to suit your needs. Graphical User Interface (GUI): A general term for interactive windows. Man page and Info page: Man (short for manual) and Info pages give detailed information about a command or file (man pages tend to be brief and provide less explanation than Info pages). You can customize your desktop to have special backgrounds. Command line: The space at the shell prompt where commands are typed. Shell prompt: A command line interface between the user and the operating system (Figure 1-7). User accounts are created so that typical user tasks can be done without using the root account. The shell interprets commands entered by the user and passes them on to the operating system. type man su at a shell prompt (or type info su for the info page). menus. A Shell Prompt . To close man or Info pages. An RPM is a software package file you can install on your Red Hat Linux computer. press [q]. RPM: RPM stands for RPM Package manager and is how Red Hat builds and delivers its software files. folder. which can reduce the chance of damaging your Red Hat Linux installation or applications permanently. Launcher icons usually refer to application shortcuts.4 Chapter 1. and panels which allow a user to initiate actions such as starting applications and opening files using a mouse and keyboard. The Desktop Panel Root: Root is an administrative user account created during installation and has complete access to the system. to read the man page for the su command. usually located across the bottom of your desktop (such as Figure 1-6). and pictures to add a personal touch. most often with the keyboard or mouse. Panel: A desktop toolbar. such as changing administrative passwords and running system configuration tools. colors. The desktop is where your user Home and Start Here icons are located. Getting Started Command: An instruction given to the computer. For example. You must be logged in as root to accomplish certain system administration tasks. icons. • • • Figure 1-7. The panel contains the Main Menu button and shortcut icons to start commonly used programs.
but it is not recommended. When you log in. You may be tempted to forego creating and using a user account during or after installation. your Red Hat Linux system uses accounts to manage privileges. Logging in with the su . This is a dangerous idea. Not all accounts are created equal: some accounts have fewer rights to access files or services than others. • Although the emphasis throughout this book is on navigation and productivity using the graphical desktop environment. 1. If you did not create a user account using the Setup Agent. Graphical Login When your system has booted. you are introducing yourself to the system (also called authentication). and more.3. If you are "in X" or "running X". you are working in a GUI rather than a console environment. some new users are tempted to use only this account for all of their activities. Getting Started 5 • su and su -: The command su gives you access to the root account or other accounts on your system. or system administrator. X or X Window System: These terms refer to the graphical user interface environments. you will not be allowed access to your system. When you type su to switch to your root account while still inside your user account shell. maintain security. 1. Note Red Hat Linux applications and files are case sensitive. Use caution when you are logged in as root. you can skip ahead to Chapter 2 Using the Graphical Desktop. you must log in as root.3. By default. which is primarily used in a network setting. both the graphical and shell prompt methods of logging in and using your Red Hat Linux system are discussed for your reference. root refers to the root user (also known as the superuser). your machine will probably be called localhost. refer to Section 1. Logging In The next step to using your Red Hat Linux system is to log in. Again. which means that typing root refers to a different account than Root. You can easily damage your system by accidentally deleting or modifying sensitive system files. it is highly recommended that you log in as that user instead of root to prevent accidental damage to your Red Hat Linux installation. . If you type the wrong user name or password. Unlike some other operating systems.command makes you root within the root account shell. If you created only the root account. you have access to important system files that you can change (or damage if you are not careful).Chapter 1. If you have already created and logged in to a user account.1. unless you have chosen to give your machine its own hostname. After you create a user account. a graphical login screen is displayed as shown in Figure 1-8.6 Creating a User Account to learn how to set up a user account. because the root account is allowed to do anything on the system. Caution Because your Red Hat Linux system creates the root account during installation.
type your password that you selected when creating the user at the password prompt. you will find a graphical interface known as a desktop similar to Figure 1-9. type root at the login prompt.4. Virtual Console Login During installation. 1. your machine will probably be called localhost. type your username at the login prompt. and press [Enter]. if you selected an installation type other than Workstation or Personal Desktop and chose text as your login type. you will see a login prompt similar to the following after booting your system: Red Hat Linux release 9 Kernel 2. press [Enter]. After logging in. press [Enter]. and press [Enter]. Graphical Interface When you installed Red Hat Linux you had the opportunity to install a graphical environment. and press [Enter]. . type root at the login prompt. you can type the command startx to start the graphical desktop. To log in as a normal user.6 Chapter 1. 1. Once you start the X Window System. type your username at the login prompt. To log in as root from the console. which is primarily used in a network setting. Logging in from the graphical login screen automatically starts the graphical desktop for you. To log in as a normal user. Getting Started Figure 1-8.2. The Graphical Login Screen To log in as root from the graphical login screen. type your password that you selected when creating the user at the password prompt. press [Enter]. type the root password that you chose during installation at the password prompt.3.localdomain. press [Enter].4.18-14 on an i686 localhost login: Unless you have chosen to give your machine its own hostname. then type the root password that you chose during installation at the password prompt and press [Enter].
6. You can also start a shell prompt by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing New Terminal from the menu. type exit at the prompt. Getting Started 7 Figure 1-9. Opening a Shell Prompt The desktop offers access to a shell prompt. . you were given the opportunity to create one or more user accounts using the Setup Agent. If you did not create at least one account (not including the root account) you should do so now. and then click the Users & Groups icon. click the System Settings icon. click the X button on the upper right corner of the shell prompt window. 2. You can open a shell prompt by selecting Main Menu => System Tools => Terminal. an application that allows you to type commands instead of using a graphical interface for all computing activities. you will be prompted for your root password. If you are not logged in as root. The Graphical Desktop 1. or press [Ctrl]-[D] at the prompt.5. You can also select Main Menu => System Settings => Users & Groups from the panel. To exit a shell prompt. In the new window that opens. You should avoid working in the root account for daily tasks. You can also start the User Manager by typing redhat-config-users at a shell prompt. There are two ways to create new and/or additional user accounts: using the graphical User Manager application or from a shell prompt. 1. Refer to Chapter 13 Shell Prompt Basics for further details.Chapter 1. Click the Start Here icon on the desktop. it is sometimes useful and faster to perform tasks from a shell prompt. Creating a User Account When you first started your Red Hat Linux system after installation. While the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide primarily focuses on performing tasks using the graphical interface and graphical tools. To create a user account graphically using the User Manager: 1. The window shown in Figure 1-10 will appear. Click Add User. 3.
the full name of the user for whom this account is being created. such as qwerty or password.8 Chapter 1. Type passwd followed by a space and the username again (for example. If you want to pick an easy-to-remember but somewhat unique password. signaling that the user account creation is complete. To create a user account from a shell prompt: 1. you can accept the defaults for the other configuration options. 5. Click OK. 5. 2. consider a variation of a word. Getting Started Figure 1-10. or birthplace to something more creative. Important You should take precautions when you choose a password. 1.7. Refer to the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide for details about additional options. User account names can be anything from the user's name. Avoid easy selections. initials. such as a1rPl4nE for airplane. In the Create New User dialog box. enter the same password to confirm your selection.and enter the root password. Along with the Red Hat Linux documentation there are manual pages. The password is the key to your account. At the New password: prompt enter a password for the new user and press [Enter]. 4. 6. 3. You can use both uppercase and lowercase letters. Documentation and Help There are several resources available to get the information you need to use and configure your Red Hat Linux system. useradd jsmith). enter a username (this can be an abbreviation or nickname). Open a shell prompt. The new user will appear in the user list. as well as numbers and characters. type the command su . passwd jsmith). so it should be both unique and easy for you to remember. Often. The name of this user's home directory and the name of the login shell should appear by default. INFO pages which break information about an . such as jsmith for John Smith. Type useradd followed by a space and the username for the new account you are creating at the command line (for example. usernames are variations on the user's name. Your password should be at least six characters. and a password (which you will enter a second time for verification). If you are not logged in as root. documents that detail usage of important applications and files. For most users. At the Retype new password: prompt. Press [Enter]. The Red Hat User Manager 4.
7. The DESCRIPTION field shows available options and values associated with a file or executable. For example. Manual Pages Applications.7.1. files. allowing you to quickly read the keyword in context. utilities.1. 1.Chapter 1. You can choose any method of accessing documentation that best suits your needs. The SYNOPSIS field shows the common usage of the executable. type the following: man ls The NAME field shows the executable's name and a brief explanation of what function the executable performs. to access the man page for the ls command. All instances of the keyword will be highlighted throughout the man page. and programs. 1. and shell prompt commands usually have corresponding manual pages (also called man pages) that show the reader available options and values of file or executable. To exit the man page. Man Pages are structured in such a way that users can quickly scan the page for pertinent information. type [Q]. Reading a Man Page with the Shell Prompt To navigate the man page you can use the [Page Down] and [Page Up] keys or use the [Spacebar] to move down one page and [B] to move up. . To search a man page for keywords type [/] and then a keyword or phrase and press [Enter]. Using man Man Pages can be accessed via shell prompt by typing the command man and the name of the executable. and help files that are included in the main menubar of graphical applications.1. Getting Started 9 application down by context-sensitive menus. See Also shows related terms. which is important when dealing with commands that they have never previously encountered. Figure 1-11. such as what options are declared and what types of input (such as files or values) the executable supports. as all of these resources are either already installed on your Red Hat Linux system or can be easily installed.
Individual downloads of our documentation in HTML.7.1.redhat. The man Man Page Just like other commands. Once you have logged in to your user account. Figure 1-12.3. 1. RPM.gz) are also available at http://www.2.tar. All of the Red Hat Linux manuals are on this CD. If you have downloaded individual documentation RPM packages from the Red Hat website at http://www. man has its own man page.10 1. Type man man at the shell prompt for more information. Package Management Tool Displaying Documentation Available for Installation After you have installed the documentation packages you want. The lpr command sends the formatted content to the printer. Getting Started Printing man pages is a useful way to archive commonly used commands. and compressed tarball format (. you can access them at any time by clicking Main Menu => Documentation. which formats the contents to fit within a printed page. Follow the instructions and choose the documentation you would like to install. If you have a printer available and configured for use with Red Hat Linux (refer to Chapter 8 Printer Configuration for more information).7. Red Hat Linux Documentation If you have the Red Hat Linux boxed set. and type the following at the command line: su . 1.com/docs/ you can install these manuals from a shell prompt. Open a shell prompt. perhaps in bound form for quick reference. remember to take a look at the Red Hat Linux Documentation CD.2.1. inserting the Documentation CD in your CD-ROM drive should automatically start the Package Management Tool and allow you to install any of the Red Hat Linux documentation. man command will output the contents of the command man page to col. PDF. Printing a Man Page Chapter 1. you can print a man page by typing the following command at a shell prompt: man command| col -b | lpr The example above combines separates commands into one unique function.7.com/docs/.redhat.
To install all of the Red Hat Linux manuals. check the Save current setup option.8. This logs you out of the root account and back to your user account. Figure 1-13. the file name for the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide will look something like rhl-gsg-en-9.2. Logout Confirmation 1.9.rpm. Type exit at the command line and press [Enter]. To save the configuration of your desktop. as well as any programs which are running. so you would type the following to install it on your system: rpm -ivh /mnt/cdrom/rhl-gsg-en-9. 1.rpm Press [Enter]. For example. select the Logout option and click the Yes button. When the confirmation dialog appears as shown in Figure 1-13. it is important to properly shut down Red Hat Linux. and you logged in at the console. Shutting Down your Computer Before turning off your computer.8. Virtual Console Logout If you are not using the X Window System.1. replace rhl-*.rpm Press [Enter]. Graphical Logout To log out your graphical desktop session. select Main Menu => Log Out. You will be asked for your root password. Enter the password at the prompt and press [Enter]. as you may lose unsaved data or damage your system. type exit or [Ctrl]-[D] to log out of the console session. Logging Out 1. Now go to Main Menu => Documentation and select the manual you want to read.noarch.Chapter 1.8. To install only certain manuals. Never turn your computer off without shutting down first. 1.rpm with the full file name of the manual that you want to install.noarch. Getting Started 11 Press [Enter]. . change to the directory that contains the RPM files and type the following: rpm -ivh rhl-*. You are now logged in as root.
If your computer does not. From the graphical desktop logout screen shown in Figure 1-13. Getting Started 1. Graphical Shutdown If you are in the graphical desktop. type the following command: halt Some computers automatically turn the power off after shutting down Red Hat Linux.9. select Shutdown and click OK to confirm.1. Some computers automatically turn the power off after shutting down Red Hat Linux. 1. . Virtual Console Shutdown To shutdown your computer at a shell prompt. If your computer does not.2.12 Chapter 1.9. log out of your session as described in Section 1. you can safely turn off the power to your computer after you see the message: Power down.8 Logging Out. you can safely turn off the power to your computer after you see the message: System halted.
application launchers. desktop icons. and small applications called applets that let you control sound volume. Using the Desktop Your first view of the graphical desktop will look something like Figure 2-1. The Graphical Desktop The graphical desktop gives you access to the applications and system settings on your computer. To open a folder or launch an application. The menu systems can be found by clicking on the Main Menu button by double-clicking on the Start Here icon icon. and displays the status of your system. You can drag and drop files and application icons to areas that are easily accessible. You will notice that it offers three main tools to make use of the applications on your system: panel icons. Using the Graphical Desktop Red Hat Linux includes a powerful graphical desktop environment where you can easily access your applications. Both new and experienced users will be able to take full advantage of their Red Hat Linux systems using the graphical desktop. You can add new . and menus.1. This chapter covers the fundamentals of the desktop and how you can configure it for your needs. switch workspaces. and system resources. files. and shortcuts to removable devices such as CD-ROM and diskettes when they have been mounted. Figure 2-1. They can also be found on the desktop and then clicking the Applications The desktop works in the manner you might expect it to when working with other operating systems. . The long bar across the bottom of the desktop is the panel. 2.Chapter 2. double-click on its icon. The icons elsewhere on the desktop can be shortcuts to file folders. a notification area for notification icons. The panel contains application launcher icons.
Figure 2-2. Some applets perform useful tasks while others are designed to be entertaining. you can start most applications included in Red Hat Linux. to expand it into a large set of menus that allow you to From here.2. you can also access additional applications within each sub-menu. Applets let you monitor various aspects of your system. The panel also holds the Main Menu.1. and lock your screen (which runs a password protected screen saver). The notification area holds alert icons such as the one for Red Hat Network so that you can be quickly alerted to critical messages. Using the Panel The desktop panel is the bar that stretches across the bottom of the screen and holds icons and small applications which makes using your system easier. These applets are fairly important and are covered in the following list. There are a few applets that run on your panel by default. Click on one of the squares with your mouse to move to that desktop. The Panel 2. These sub-menus give you access to a full range of applications on your system.2. in addition to the recommended applications. Using the Graphical Desktop icons for files and applications to the desktop. You can change the appearance of most of the tools and applications and change system settings with provided configuration tools. [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[right-arrow]. 2. or [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[left-arrow] to switch between desktops. run applications from a command line. The Workspace Switcher represents each workspace (or desktop) in small squares and show the applications running on them. [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[down-arrow]. you can also log out. Workspace Switcher The graphical desktop gives you the ability to use multiple workspaces so you do not have to have all of your running applications crowding one viewable desktop area. find files.2.14 Chapter 2. You can also use the keyboard shortcut [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[up-arrow]. which contains shortcuts for all of your applications. Using Applets Applets are small applications that run on the panel. Using the Main Menu You can click on the Main Menu button access the applications on your system. Workspace Switcher .2. Applets embedded on the panel allow you to run specific tasks or monitor your system or services while remaining out of your way. From the Main Menu. 2. panel. and file manager. Notice that. Figure 2-3.
Red Hat Network Notification Tool The Authentication Icon The key icon that is sometimes displayed in the Notification Area is a security notification that displays whenever you have gained root authentication for your system (such as running a graphical system configuration tool). it will launch the registration component.2. The applet shows you different images that indicate whether your system is up to date or needs upgrades.3. Once it disappears. Figure 2-6. Authentication Icon Printer Notification Icon The Printer Notification Icon allows you to manage your print jobs. Figure 2-7. a list of available updates will be displayed. The Taskbar is an applet which shows you the titles of running applications on any one virtual desktop. you can bring it back by clicking on its title in the Taskbar. Using the Notification Area Red Hat Network Notification Tool Part of the Notification Area. If you are not registered with Red Hat Network. It disappears when the authentication times out. Figure 2-5. Click on the icon to view running print jobs. Using the Graphical Desktop Taskbar 15 Next to the Workspace Switcher is the Taskbar. If you click on the icon. The Printer Notification Icon . The Taskbar 2. click the button to launch the Red Hat Update Agent.Chapter 2. and cancel jobs by right-clicking on the job and selecting Cancel. Right-click on the applet icon for a list of options from which to choose. Figure 2-4. This is very helpful if you decide to minimize an application as it will seem to disappear from the desktop. To update your system. the Red Hat Network Notification Tool provides you with an easy way to make sure your system is up-to-date with current errata and bug fixes from Red Hat.
right-click in an unused area of the panel and select Properties. and even choose an icon for the application. To add the it back to your panel. access your network resources.3. 2. and choose from the various types of applets. you may want to add more applets and launcher icons. Configuring the Desktop Panel You can hide the panel automatically or manually.4... Using the Graphical Desktop Warning If you cannot see any of the notification icons. then the notification area was removed from the desktop panel. place it on any edge of your desktop. Adding Icons and Applets to the Panel To make the panel fit your needs. Tip Another quick and easy way to add a launcher to the panel is to right-click on an unused area of the panel and choose Add to Panel => Launcher from menu.. right-click in an unused area on the panel and select Add to Panel => Launcher. Using Nautilus The graphical desktop includes a file manager called Nautilus that gives you a graphical display of your system and personal files. You can set the size of the panel. right-click on the panel and choose Add to Panel => Utility => Notification Area. Then select an application that appears in the menu.2. the Weather Report applet has been added to show the current local weather and temperature. its position on the desktop. the location and name of the command that starts the application (such as /usr/bin/foo). and change the way it behaves.2. and whether you want the panel to be automatically hidden (Autohide) when not in use. change its size and color. select Add to Panel. 2. configure your Red Hat Linux system. This will automatically add a launcher icon based on the properties of the item in the Main Menu.16 Chapter 2. it will appear on your panel. it will not appear on the desktop until you move your mouse pointer over the panel area (called hovering). In Figure 2-8. 2. To alter the default panel settings. right-click in an unused area on the panel.5. If you choose to autohide the panel. however. This will launch a dialog box that allows you to enter the name of the application. Nautilus is designed to be much more than a visual listing of files. In essence. Click OK and the new launcher icon will appear on the panel. and more all from one integrated interface. The Weather Report Applet on the Panel To add a launcher icon to the panel. It allows you to configure your desktop. When you select an applet. To add an applet to the panel. Nautilus becomes a shell for your entire desktop experience. Figure 2-8. browse your photo collection. .
By default. and system settings. For text files. image files in your home directory will be seen as thumbnails. press the [Ctrl] key while dragging and dropping the file. Start Here Figure 2-9. By default. select Edit => Preferences. To start Nautilus as a file manager. click the Home button. Select the Preview tab. The Start Here Window Start Here was designed to hold all of the tools and applications you need to access when using your system. 2. You can open another Nautilus window by selecting File => New Window. this means you see a portion of the actual text in the icon. server configuration tools. you can navigate through your home directory or the rest of the file system. To copy the file to another directory. desktop preferences. From your favorite applications to system and configuration tools. For images. The browser window contains folders and files which you can drag with your mouse to move and copy into new locations. dragging a file from one directory to another moves the file. You can access the Start Here screen at any time by double-clicking on the desktop icon labeled Start Here. The Start Here screen includes icons that allow you to access your favorite applications. Using the Graphical Desktop 17 Working in Nautilus is efficient and provides an alternative to searching through the various submenus connected to the Main Menu or using a shell prompt to navigate the file system. . Disabling this (and other) previewing feature increases the speed of Nautilus.4.Chapter 2. then select Never in the drop down for Show Thumbnails. The following sections explain how to use the Nautilus to enhance your desktop experience. To return to your home directory. Main Menu items. double-click on your home directory icon: Once Nautilus appears. Once you have another Nautilus window. the Start Here window provides a central location for using and customizing your system. you see a scaled-down (or thumbnail) version of the image. To turn off this feature. you can drag and drop files to different directories.
Customizing the Desktop From the Start Here screen.18 Chapter 2. and finally select Background. For example. Changing your Desktop Background One way to dramatically alter the appearance of your graphical desktop is to change the background using the Background Preferences tool. Navigate to the location you want to bookmark. which presents you with a wide selection of configuration options. you can select the Preferences icon to configure your desktop. You can choose from several background images included with Red Hat Linux in the /usr/share/backgrounds/ directory.4.4. or you can use your own image. Background You can configure your background with new colors or a new image.4. 2.1. Using the Graphical Desktop Tip You can add your favorite locations to the Bookmarks. right-click on the desktop and choose Change Desktop Background from the menu. You can also double-click the Start Here icon. Sound In this section you can configure the system sounds associated with various functions. The Background Preferences Tool . you can configure it. 2.1 Changing your Desktop Background. For example. Keyboard Shortcuts You can configure shortcuts — pressing a combination of keystrokes on the keyboard — to perform actions within an application or on your desktop.1. to play a sound when you log in to your desktop. To learn more about configuring your desktop background. refer to Section 2. select Preferences. To start the Background Preferences tool. The following lists some of the options and tools in each area. Figure 2-10.1. you can configure a shortcut to move from your current Workspace to Workspace 2 by pressing [Ctrl]-[F2].1. and then select Bookmarks => Add Bookmark.
Customizing your System The Start Here screen in Nautilus contains additional configuration tools that help you with your new Red Hat Linux system and the server applications included.4. Click Close to save and exit the Background Preferences tool. The System Settings icon includes tools that help you set up your system for personal everyday use. The Desktop with a New Background If you want to create a background with your own custom colors and no images. Refer to Chapter 3 Configuring the Date and Time for details on using this tool. Figure 2-11 shows a background image of flowers and plants that is stretched to fill the entire desktop. You can also drag an image into the window from your own image directory. The following lists some of the tools included in System Settings and what you can do with them. . To fill the desktop with an image without tiling it. leaving the default background colors to fill in any remaining desktop space. Using the Graphical Desktop 19 The Background Preferences tool allows you to load a new background from a directory of provided images (/usr/share/backgrounds/images/).Chapter 2. 2. You will be able to set your time zone information as well. choose the No Picture option and adjust your colors using the Background Style options. The Centered option places your image in the center of the desktop. use the Scaled or Stretched options. Date & Time This tool allows you to set the date and time of your machine. There are several additional options for displaying your background image. Choose your own Top Color and Bottom Color and the color gradient (or the blending of colors). The Wallpaper option displays multiple instances of your image across the desktop. Figure 2-11.2. which is useful if you use a small image or if you use a tile (or pattern) image from /usr/share/backgrounds/tiles/ or from your own image collection.
Figure 2-12. . Refer to Chapter 8 Printer Configuration and the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide for details. Refer to the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide for details. The printer may be connected to your machine or available on a network. Printing The Printer Configuration Tool allows you to add a new printer to your system. Refer to Section 1. The Desktop Log Out Confirmation To quit the graphical desktop. depending on which install type you specified during installation.3 Troubleshooting Your Sound Card for more details on configuring your sound hardware. or halting the system completely. Using the Graphical Desktop The Sound Card Configuration Tool tool probes your machine for available sound devices. You may also find server configuration tools in the Start Here area. Logging Out When you have finished working and want to quit GNOME. A few examples of the tools found in this area are the HTTP Configuration Tool and the Bind Configuration Tool. you are presented with the choice of logging out of GNOME (leaving the system running).5.20 Soundcard Detection Chapter 2.6 Creating a User Account for details. 2. Users & Groups The User Manager tool allows you to add and remove users from your system. These tools help you configure services and applications you are using on the local machine to serve other machines. restarting the machine. select the Log Out menu item from the Main Menu. Refer to Section 10. You must have those server applications installed before these tools appear in this section. This will bring up a dialog which presents you with the options listed above. The server configuration tools are found by clicking on the System Settings icon and then the Server Settings icon.
Figure 3-1. and click on the day of the week to change the day of the week. use the arrows to the left and right of the month to change the month. You can choose one of the predefined servers or type a server name in the pulldown menu. Clicking the OK button will apply any changes that you have made to the date and time. To enable this feature. and to setup the Network Time Protocol (NTP) daemon to synchronize the system clock with a time server. The application allows you to configure a NTP daemon to synchronize your system clock with a remote server.1. and Second in the Time section. the NTP daemon settings. to configure the time zone used by the system. use the up and down arrow buttons beside the Hour. To start the application from the desktop go to the Main Menu Button => System Settings => Date & Time or type the command redhat-config-date at a shell prompt (for example. Configuring the Date and Time The Time and Date Properties Tool allows the user to change the system date and time. After you click OK. . This will enable the Server pulldown menu. click the Enable Network Time Protocol button. The Network Time Protocol (NTP) daemon synchronizes the system clock with a remote time server or time source (such as a satellite). You must be running the X Window System and have root privileges. in an XTerm or a GNOME terminal). Time and Date Properties To change the date.Chapter 3. Minute. Changes will not take place until you click the OK button. and the time zone settings and then exit the program. 3. Time and Date Properties As shown in Figure 3-1. Your system will not start synchronizing with the NTP server until you click OK. the first tabbed window that appears is for configuring the system date and time and the NTP daemon (ntpd). Changes will not take place until you click the OK button. To change the time. the configuration will be saved and the NTP daemon will be started (or restarted if it is already running). Use the arrows to the left and right of the year to change the year.
Configuring the Date and Time 3. also known as Greenwich mean time (GMT). Click OK to apply the changes and exit the program. click the Time Zone tab. UTC stands for the universal time zone. A red X will appear and the time zone selection will change in the list below the map. .2. select the System clock uses UTC option. Other time zones are determined by adding or subtracting from the UTC time.22 Chapter 3. Time Zone Configuration To configure the system time zone. Figure 3-2. To use the map. click on the city that represents the desired time zone. Timezone Properties If your system clock is set to use UTC. The time zone can be changed by either using the interactive map or by choosing the desired time zone from the list below the map.
if two PCs are not on the same network.1. Viewing files on a Diskette with Nautilus When you are done using the diskette. To do this. Figure 4-1. This mounts the diskette and adds a desktop icon which you can double-click to explore the diskette contents.1. Diskettes and CD-ROMs Using diskettes and CD-ROMs with Red Hat Linux requires some understanding about removable media. insert it into the diskette drive and type mount /mnt/floppy/ at a shell prompt. close any applications that may be using files on the diskette or exploring the diskette's contents (such as Nautilus or Konqueror). how to format diskettes. You can open.1. You can access the contents of the diskette by changing into that directory with the cd /mnt/floppy/ command. To mount a diskette. This chapter also covers using CD-writable and CD-rewritable drives. 4. and copy files to/from it as you would normally do to your hard drive. save. Diskettes are ideal as a portable storage solution for small files that need to be physically moved around. Alternatively. Now that the diskette has been mounted it is available to be copied from or written to. and how to read and copy data from a CD-ROM. you can also mount a diskette by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing Disks => Floppy. you should unmount it before ejecting it from the drive. For example. and at a shell prompt type the following command : umount /mnt/floppy/ . 4. Mounting and Unmounting a Diskette A diskette must first be mounted before it can be used.Chapter 4. The diskette drive activity light should blink as the diskette's file system is mounted to the /mnt/floppy directory. This chapter discusses how to read and write files to and from diskettes. You can even explore the diskette's contents in Nautilus (as shown in Figure 4-1) or Konqueror. Using Diskettes Diskettes are one of the oldest removable media solutions available for the personal computer (PC). diskettes are a great solution to transfer files from one computer to the other.
you need to format the diskette using the ext2 file system. Using gfloppy To start gfloppy. Formatting a Diskette To use a diskette specifically with Red Hat Linux. 4. 4. Warning Formatting a diskette will erase all of its contents. Once you have created an ext2 file system on the diskette. . type /usr/bin/gfloppy. choose Main Menu => System Tools => Floppy Formatter. Diskettes and CD-ROMs icon and choosing If you are using GNOME. you can manipulate its contents in the same ways that you manipulate directories and files on your hard drive.3. ext2 is one of the file systems supported by Red Hat Linux. You can now safely eject the diskette from the drive.1. Be sure to backup any files that you need before performing any of the following operations on your diskettes.24 Chapter 4.3. Putting Linux Files on an MS-DOS Diskette To copy files from a Linux machine to an MS-DOS formatted diskette so that a Windows machine can read it you should format your diskette with an MS-DOS (FAT) file system. 4. you can format your diskette with an MS-DOS file system type if necessary. and is the default method used for formatting diskettes. however.5" 1.2. As shown in Figure 4-2.1 Using gfloppy).1. Then mount it in Linux as described in Section 4. The new file on the diskette should now be accessible from your Windows machine. the gfloppy interface is small and has few options. You can also choose the density of your diskette (if you are not using the usual high density 3. you can unmount the diskette by right-clicking on the Unmount Volume from the menu.1.44MB diskette).3. From a shell prompt. The default settings are sufficient for most users and needs.1. This can be done with the Windows OS or with gfloppy (see Section 4. Copy files using the following command (substituting filename with the name of the file you wish to copy): cp filename /mnt/floppy You can then unmount the diskette and eject it from the drive. You can also elect to quick format the diskette if it was previously formatted as ext2.1 Mounting and Unmounting a Diskette.1.1.
The -c option makes the mke2fs command check the device for bad blocks before creating the file system. The status box will appear on top of the main window. mke2fs essentially formats the device and creates an empty. your second /dev/fd1. Figure 4-3. Diskettes and CD-ROMs 25 Figure 4-2. and so on. Using mke2fs The mke2fs command is used to create a Linux ext2 file system on a device such as a hard drive partition or (in this case) a diskette. gfloppy Status Box 4. The other options are covered in the mke2fs man page.3. /dev/fd0 refers to the first diskette drive.2.1. then click Format. Once you have created an ext2 file system on the diskette. Once complete. . Linux-compatible device which can then be used for storing files and data. you can eject the diskette and close gfloppy. your primary diskette drive is /dev/fd0. If your computer has more than one diskette drive. showing you the status of formatting and verification (see Figure 4-3). Insert your diskette into the drive and issue the following command at a shell prompt: /sbin/mke2fs /dev/fd0 On Linux systems. gfloppy Insert a diskette and change the settings in gfloppy to suit your needs.Chapter 4. it is ready to be used with your Red Hat Linux system. The mke2fs utility has a number of options.
including applications. CD-ROMs The CD-ROM format is a popular medium to deliver typically large software applications as well as multimedia games and presentations. Figure 4-4. you must unmount it before you can eject it from your CD-ROM drive.2. and even multimedia (audio/video and . Diskettes and CD-ROMs 4. CD-Rs and CD-RWs CD-writable (CD-R) drives have grown in popularity as an inexpensive way to backup and archive several megabytes of data. Insert a CD into your CD-ROM drive.1. 4. to unmount and eject the CD-ROM. Figure 4-4 shows the contents of a CD-ROM within the Nautilus file manager. open a shell prompt.3. which you can use to unmount and eject your CD-ROM after use.2. choose Eject from the menu. Close any applications or file managers that are using the CD-ROM and type the following command at a shell prompt: umount /mnt/cdrom You can now safely press the eject button on your CD-ROM drive to retrieve your CD.26 Chapter 4. This section shows you how to use CD-ROMs on your Red Hat Linux system. CDs are automatically mounted and the file manager is displayed allowing you to explore the contents of the CD.2. You can access your CD-ROM by clicking the home icon on the desktop and typing /mnt/cdrom in the location bar. Most of the software that can be purchased from retail outlets come in the form of CD-ROMs. After working with your CD. Contents of a CD-ROM in Nautilus A CD desktop icon also appears. Using CD-ROMs From a Shell Prompt You can also manually mount and unmount your CD-ROMs from a shell prompt. 4. Using CD-ROMs with Your File Manager By default. personal files. For example. 4.2. and type the following command: mount /mnt/cdrom The CD-ROM should now be mounted and available for use with your file manager. Right-click on the icon to view all of the available choices.
3. and click on the files and folders. which displays a dialog box where you can select the writing speed.Chapter 4. To access the CD Creator feature in Nautilus. press and hold the [Ctrl] key. The CD Creator Interface in Nautilus Open a new Nautilus window and select the files or directories you want to write to CD-R(W). You can also type burn: in the Location bar to start CD Creator. name the CD.1. insert a blank CD-R(W) into your drive and the CD Creator window will automatically display. and choose other options. CD Creator allows you to drag and drop files from a Nautilus window to the CD Creator interface. Red Hat Linux includes several tools for using CD-Rs and CD-rewritable (CD-RW) drives. To select multiple files. click the Write to CD button in the CD Creator window. press and hold the left mouse button. 4. and drag the files and folders to the CD Creator window. Then release the [Ctrl] key. Figure 4-6. When you are ready to write the files to your CD-R(W). there is a tool included in the Nautilus file manager called CD Creator. The CD Creator Write Dialog Box . Figure 4-5. Diskettes and CD-ROMs 27 still image) presentations. You can also double click your home directory icon from the desktop and choose Go => CD Creator from the window menus. Using CD Creator If you want to perform a quick file or directory backup to a CD-R or CD-RW.
2. X-CD-Roast first scans your device busses and find your CDR(W) drive.28 Chapter 4. The CD Creator Write Status Window By default. Figure 4-8. the CD-R(W) should automatically eject from your drive when it is finished. Diskettes and CD-ROMs Click the Write files to CD button to start burning. and more. A status window displays the writing progress. CD-ROM drive. You must specify a path on your hard drive's file system that has at least 700 Megabytes (MB) of free space available. Figure 4-8 illustrates the Setup screen and its configuration options. 4. It then allows you to configure settings for CD-writer. type /usr/bin/xcdroast. To start it at a shell prompt. All CD image (. X-CD-Roast Setup Screen Check your CD-R(W) manufacturer documentation to set some of the CD Settings options. Using X-CD-Roast X-CD-Roast is a graphical application for duplicating and creating (also known as mastering) CDROMs. . You can configure the path where you wish to store CD images in the HD Settings tab under Path. as shown in Figure 4-7. Since it is generally recommended to periodically backup personal files. To start X-CD-Roast choose Main Menu => System Tools => CD Writer. such as CD Writer Speed and CD Writer FIFO-Buffer Size. Note that your CD-R(W) drive brand may be different from the drive shown. the CD Creator can help you do so quickly. Figure 4-7. X-CD-Roast automates the process of burning CD-Rs and CD-RWs and is highly configurable to many CD mastering or duplicating needs.img) files need to be stored in a central location accessible to X-CD-Roast.3.iso or .
click the Duplicate CD button in the main panel.1. the defaults are set correctly to create data CD-ROMs. If you are copying tracks from an audio CD. Using X-CD-Roast to Duplicate CD-ROMs To duplicate an existing CD-ROM for backup purposes. Click the Write CD button to start the burning process. so no further configuration is necessary. X-CD-Roast allows you to backup files on your hard drive partition using Create CD.2. you can delete unwanted tracks with Delete Tracks. as several of the options have long. Figure 4-9 shows the Write CD dialog box. to burn your tracks onto CD-R(W) media. 4. however. where you can configure the speed at which you read and write the tracks to CD-R(W). choose Write CD.2. There are other options within the Master Tracks dialog that allows you to configure advanced settings. Using X-CD-Roast to Duplicate CDs 4. Figure 4-9. . is stored on tracks — by clicking Read CD. descriptive pop-up tips that informs you of the associated function in detail.3. Diskettes and CD-ROMs 29 X-CD-Roast is well-documented within the interface itself. Since X-CD-Roast reads all tracks of a CD-ROM by default. You can read all of the tracks on a CD — all CD-ROM information.2. including data and audio. You can set the speed at which you read a CD-ROM as well as find out some information about the CD-ROM track such as its type and size. as well as whether you wish to copy the CD-ROM on-the-fly or create an image file first before burning (which is recommended to prevent write or read errors from occurring during the duplication process). This facility allows you to add files and directories into a CD session using Master Tracks. Figure 4-10 shows a session that is preparing the entire /home directory for backup. Finally. you can preview each track with Play Audio-Tracks. You can access these tooltips by leaving your mouse pointer on a button or drop-down menu for at least two seconds. Using X-CD-Roast to Create a CD It is always recommended to backup personal data and information often in case of hardware failure or file system corruption.3.Chapter 4.
These utilities have several advanced options that are beyond the scope of . Click Write tracks to write the image to the CDR(W).img file. such as . and click Add. click Write Tracks from the panel on the left. There are also other ISO image files available on FTP and websites. highlight the image file you created in the box on the right.iso are known as ISO9660 (or ISO) image files. There are other file types that can be burned as images.2. To write your tracks to the CD-R(W). highlight the ISO image file you wish to burn and click Add. Writing ISOs with X-CD-Roast Large files that end in . and click the Write Tracks tab to return to the main writing dialog. move the ISO file to the path specified during setup. The image displays in the Tracks to write box on the left side. 4. Tip You can also create and write the image to the CD-R(W) in one step by clicking Master and write onthe-fly in the Create session image tab. For example. This saves a few steps but can sometimes cause read-write errors. there are two utilities available: mkisofs and cdrecord. In the Layout Tracks tab.30 Chapter 4. then click Create CD.3. Using CD-Rs and CD-RWs with Command Line Tools If you want to use a shell prompt to write images to CD-R or CD-RWs. To write an ISO image file to a CD-R(W) with X-CD-Roast.3. Using X-CD-Roast to Back-up Hard Drive Files Highlight the files and directories that you wish to add to the session and click Add. Click Accept track layout. Red Hat Linux is freely available as ISO images that you can download and write to the CD-R(W). but ISO images are the most common CD image format.img and . This automatically loads the Write Tracks tab.raw. You must first click Calculate size. where you can click Write Tracks to burn the image to the CD-R(W). In the Layout tracks tab. 4. then Accept track layout.3. After you have added all files and directories you want to write to the CD-R(W). It is recommended that you use the multi-step method instead of the on-the-fly methods. then click Master to image file to create the image. Diskettes and CD-ROMs Figure 4-10.3. click the Create session/image tab to create the .
you must first establish the device address of your CD-R(W) device by running the following command as root at a shell prompt: .3. Diskettes and CD-ROMs 31 this guide. refer to Section 4. The images created by mkisofs can include all types of files.3. however. -V -v -x Table 4-1. which is useful for viewing the status of the image as it is being made.. mkisofs Options 4. Sets verbose execution. Generates Rock Ridge (RR) naming records to preserve filename length and casing.). It is most useful for archival and file backup purposes. Sets a Volume ID — a name that is assigned to it if the image is burned. the command line based CD recording utility.3.iso and write it to CD-R(W) so that you can use it on your Red Hat Linux PC at work and your Windows laptop for trips. To use cdrecord. for basic image creation and writing. video.3 Writing ISOs with X-CD-Roast. Table 4-1 explains each command line option.iso -x /home/joeuser/junk/ -J -R -A -V -v /home/joeuser/ The image is created in the same directory that you ran the command. Using mkisofs The mkisofs utility creates ISO9660 image files that can be written to a CD-R(W).2.3.3. For more information about using cdrecord. You want to create an ISO image called backup.. useful if the CD is used in Windows environments.3. Using cdrecord The cdrecord utility writes audio. and/or data) CD-ROMs using options to configure several aspects of the write process. but exclude the subdirectory /home/joeuser/junk/ because it contains unnecessary files. especially for UNIX/Linux environments. Sets an Application ID — a text string that will be written into the volume header of the image which can be useful to determine what applications are on the CD. -x /home/joe/trash -x /home/joe/delete .2 Using cdrecord . Excludes any directory immediately following this option.4 Additional Resources. these tools save some time over the graphical alternatives such as X-CD-Roast. and the disc is mounted in Solaris and Windows environments. and mixed-mode (a combination of audio.3. Option -o -J -R -A Function Specifies an output file name of the ISO image. data. refer to the additional resources in Section 4.. . device. You can now use the ISO image file with either X-CD-Roast as described in Section 4.1. Generates Joliet naming records..2. Suppose you wish to backup a directory called /home/joeuser/.Chapter 4. This can be done with mkisofs by running the following command: mkisofs -o backup. or using cdrecord. and data settings. this option can be repeated (for example. including speed. For more information on using mkisofs. 4.
3.2. . • mkisofs man page — Comprehensive detail of the utility. Installed Documentation • cdrecord man page — Discusses how to burn data.1.4. such as Red Hat Linux ISO images.1' scsibus0: 0.7.0 4) * 0. Refer to the following resources for more information about the applications in this chapter 4.0 5) * 0.0 2) * 0.3.3. You can use cdrecord to blank CD-RW discs for reuse by typing the following: cdrecord --dev=0.0.version (where version is the version of cdrecord installed on your system) — Several documentation files are included with general usage and licensing information. including some warnings about creating certain types of ISO images. Offers all options and commands in detail. and sets write output (verbose [-v]). It is important to remember the device address of the device used to write your CD. which is useful for tracking the status of the write process.6.0).32 Chapter 4.0 6) * 0.5.0 0) * 0.1. £ ¢ ¡ • /usr/share/doc/cdrecord. The -eject argument ejects the CDROM after the write process is complete.0c' Removable CD-ROM 0.0 1) * 0. Offers all options and commands in detail.3. the device address (0. switch to the root user and type the following at a shell prompt: cdrecord -v -eject speed=4 dev=0.0 3) 'HP ' 'CD-Writer+ 9200 ' '1.version (where version is the version of mkisofs installed on your system) — Several documentation files are included with general usage and licensing information.0 backup. audio and mixed-mode CD-ROMs. including some example commands for creating common ISO image files. £ ¢ ¡ • /usr/share/doc/mkisofs.4.4. The same command can also be used for burning ISO image files downloaded from the Internet.8 (i686-pc-linux-gnu) Copyright (C) 1995-2000 Jorg Schilling Using libscg version 'schily-0.iso The command sets the write speed (4). The following is an example output from running cdrecord -scanbus.0 --blank=fast 4. Additional Resources This chapter briefly covers several applications. including some example commands for common CD-R(W) burning tasks. Diskettes and CD-ROMs cdrecord -scanbus This command shows all CD-R(W) devices on your computer.0 7) * To write the backup file image created with mkisofs in the previous section. Cdrecord 1.
4.org/dvdrtools/ — The official website of the dvdrtools project. http://www. ¤ ¤ is the version of .version / (where version § ¦ ¥ ¥ • /usr/share/doc/xcdroast.version (where version is the version of X-CD-Roast installed on your system) — Contains useful command-line options and usage information for this graphical CD-R(W) mastering application. Useful Websites • • • http://www.Chapter 4. and user commentary. Diskettes and CD-ROMs 33 dvdrecord installed on your system) — For users who have DVD-R(+W) devices.net/projects/cdrecord/ — The cdrecord project page on Freshmeat is regularly updated with the newest releases.org/ — The Official website of the X-CD-Roast project. § ¦ • /usr/share/doc/dvdrecord.fsf. news.freesoftware. which includes the dvdrecord utility for writing DVD-R(+W) discs.xcdroast. this set of documentation helps you get started mastering DVD-ROMs for data backup and multimedia presentation. http://freshmeat.2. 4.
Diskettes and CD-ROMs .34 Chapter 4.
you must have a connection to it. Your login name and password for your account if you are using an xDSL or modem connection. in order to use the Internet.Chapter 5. People use the Internet for everything from information to finances to getting medical prescriptions on the Web. You can then configure the connection that you created at any time using the Network Administration Tool.2xx. Getting Online Exploring the Internet has become a popular activity. use one of the following methods: • • In the graphical desktop environment. Your own ISP may have specific connection requirements for their service which differ from the instructions in this chapter. check with your ISP for any specific instructions that they provide. DNS tracks IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. There are many types of Internet connections. which can be used to create an Internet connection. To use Internet Configuration Wizard.2x. type the command internet-druid In both cases you will have to enter your root password to continue. the DNS tells your machine where to send its traffic. However. Before connecting. go to the Main Menu => System Tools => Internet Configuration Wizard. At a shell prompt. DNS servers act as a road map for the Internet. You may receive one or more DNS entries from your Internet provider when you sign up. . you must be running the X Window System and have root privileges. DNS entries: DNS means Domain Name System. More information about the Network Administration Tool can be found in the chapter entitled Network Configuration in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide. When you use the Internet. each computer connected to the Internet must have an IP address. To start the application. which is a unique set of numbers like 2xx.2. including the following information: • • • • The phone number that your modem must dial to connect to your ISP if you are using a modem. Some ISPs may require you to configure a master address (called the gateway) that authenticates your computer and allows it to connect to the Internet. A gateway address. including: • • • • • ISDN Connection Modem Connection Wireless Connection xDSL Connection Ethernet Connections Red Hat Linux includes the Internet Configuration Wizard.
start Internet Configuration Wizard. . Ask your DSL provider which method you should use. high-quality digital telecommunication lines as opposed to an analog modem connection. To configure this type of connection. and select DHCP on the Configure Network Settings screen. The Ethernet card is usually required to be configured for DHCP. Some DSL providers require you to configure your system to obtain an IP address through DHCP with an Ethernet card. To configure this type of connection. and follow the steps in the wizard. Getting Online Figure 5-1. and follow the steps in the wizard. select Ethernet Connection. select Ethernet Connection. start Internet Configuration Wizard. select ISDN Connection. To configure this type of connection. IDSL. Internet Configuration Wizard ISDN Connection An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) connection uses high-speed. start Internet Configuration Wizard. To configure this type of connection. start the Internet Configuration Wizard. This special phone line must be installed by a phone company. the cable modem connects to the coaxial cable. To configure this type of connection. Digital data is modulated into analog signals and sent over phone lines. There are different types of DSL such as ADSL. select xDSL Connection.36 Chapter 5. select Modem Connection. and SDSL. and select DHCP on the Configure Network Settings screen. Most cable Internet providers require you to install an Ethernet card in your computer that connects to the cable modem. Some DSL providers require you to configure a PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) connection with an Ethernet card. you are probably using PPPoE. and follow the steps in the wizard. start Internet Configuration Wizard. Then. If you must supply a username and password to connect. Modem Connection A modem connection uses a modem to establish a connection to the Internet. xDSL Connection An xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection uses high-speed transmissions through telephone lines. Cable Modem Connection A cable modem connection uses the same coaxial cable that your TV cable travels on to transmit data. Internet Configuration Wizard uses the term xDSL to mean all types of DSL connections.
Chapter 5. Getting Online Wireless Connection
If you are connecting your Red Hat Linux computer to a wireless access point (WAP) or peerto-peer (also called ad-hoc) network with a wireless (802.11x) network card, then you will need to configure your wireless device. Choose the Wireless Connection, then select the device from the list provided. You can then configure the device for DHCP or fixed IP addresses In the pop-up device configuration window. The Internet Configuration Wizard is a utility that guides you step-by-step through the process of establishing your Internet connection. Once your connection is up and running, you can then configure it to suit your needs or particular connection. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Network Configuration chapter in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide.
Chapter 5. Getting Online
Chapter 6. Web Browsing
Once you have configured your Internet connection (see Chapter 5 Getting Online), you are ready to get online. Red Hat Linux comes with several Web browsers, graphical applications that use your Internet connection to access the World Wide Web: news, research, shopping, banking, and more. This chapter briefly explains how to surf the Web using Mozilla and Galeon. For information about using the Konqueror Web browser, refer to Section A.6 Browsing the Web with Konqueror.
6.1. Mozilla
Part of the mozilla.org organization's wide range of Open Source Internet application developments, Mozilla is a powerful, integrated, and standards-compliant Web browser, email client, news reader, and more. The Web browsing component displays Web content such as webpages and images. Mozilla also uses plug-ins for interactive multimedia such as streaming video and Web animation. This section shows you how to use the Mozilla Web browser to explore the Internet. To start Mozilla click the Mozilla Web Browser launcher on the panel or choose Main Menu => Internet => Mozilla Web Browser.
Figure 6-1. Mozilla Main Browser Window
6.1.1. Using Mozilla
Mozilla functions like any Web browser that you may have used before. It has the standard navigational toolbars, buttons, and menus.
The Personal Toolbar is useful for keeping and categorizing webpages so that you do not have to type the address every time you want to access the page. These are separate applications integrated into the Mozilla suite and are useful for experiencing email. Composer. Mozilla supports keyword searching via the address field as well. and IRC Chat. For information on using the Mozilla Mail email client. Figure 6-3. The Mozilla SideBar At the bottom left corner of the browser window. refer to Chapter 7 Email Applications. Mail. click and hold the left mouse button on the small icon next to the URL in the address field and drag it directly to the Personal Toolbar or into a folder icon. Web Browsing The navigation bar has an address field with which you can type a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) — the name or address of a website — into the address field at the top of the browser window. there are the following small icons: Navigator. The Mozilla Navigational Bar There is also a sidebar on the left that contains additional options. Finally. which you can customize with your own bookmarks or quickly go back to your homepage. bookmarks. there is the Personal Toolbar. Type in a keyword or phrase into the address field and click the Search button. and other aspects of the Internet besides the Web.40 Chapter 6. The search results appears in the main browsing area. chat. Figure 6-2. such as integrated search functionality. . You can access Personal Toolbar folders by clicking the icon and choosing the website from the drop-down menu. To add a site to your Personal Toolbar. news. and a What's Related option that displays webpages similar in topic to the page currently displayed in the main browsing area. Address Book.
or anything other than Web browsing and searching. To use Galeon. a working installation of Mozilla is required. This will open the new tab and allow you to switch between tabs by clicking on them. Galeon Galeon is a Web browser that is based on Mozilla.Chapter 6. click on Help (on the top menu panel) and then on Help Contents. . or click on the Composer icon in the lower left part of the screen: . To open Composer.2. A list of topics will appear and clicking on any of these will provide you with information for creating and editing webpages using Mozilla Composer.1. go to Window => Composer on the Mozilla main menu. It is only a Web browser and does not feature email.2. When the help screen opens. Web Browsing 41 Mozilla also allows you to browse multiple websites within one browser window using navigational tabs. 6. Mozilla Composer 6. Figure 6-4. Galeon also has some extra features that are not included in Mozilla. You do not need to know HTML to use this tool. newsgroups. click on the Contents tab and expand the Creating Webpages menu by clicking on the arrow next to it. The Mozilla help files provide information on creating webpages with Composer. Galeon uses Mozilla's HTML and image renderer and plug-in system to display Web and multimedia content. Instead of using two or more separate windows to read multiple webpages. For additional information on using Mozilla. you can open a tab by clicking File => New => Navigation Tab or by pressing [Ctrl] and [T] at the same time. Go to Help on the main menu and select Help Contents. To close a tab. This can be useful if you want to browse the Web without the need to email or chat with others. right-click on the tab and choose Close Tab from the menu or click the X at the right of the tab bar to close the tab currently displayed. Mozilla Composer You can use Mozilla Composer to create webpages.
42 Chapter 6. You can also configure Galeon' personal toolbar with bookmarks. . and even browser navigation shortcuts. Once you have finished your configuration of Galeon. Web Browsing To launch Galeon. There are navigational buttons for moving from one visited webpage to another using the Forward. Back. The first time you launch Galeon. go to Main Menu => Internet => More Internet => Galeon. you have the option of importing bookmarks and preferences from Mozilla or other Web applications you may have installed on your system. and Home buttons. respectively. the main browser will appear. integrated search features. Figure 6-6. Figure 6-5. Configuring Galeon During the initial configuration. it will take you through the configuration process. as well as Reload and Stop buttons to refresh a webpage and stop it from loading. Online with Galeon Using Galeon is much like using Mozilla.
you can choose to view the Galeon FAQ and Galeon manual. Web Browsing 43 Like Mozilla. click the X button within the tab. Keyboard Shortcuts Description Open a new tab for browsing multiple websites within one browser window Open a new browser window Close all browser windows and exits the application Move the cursor to the browser's address field Print the current displayed webpage or document Move forward by one link or page Move backward by one link or page Reload the current page Open the browsing history Find a keyword or string within a page . and you can switch between them by clicking on the each tab. Galeon also has a navigational tab feature that can help you avoid having your desktop cluttered with browser windows.3. Multiple pages can be stored in a single Galeon window. click Help on the top menu bar. The tabbed browsing mode can be configured in the Tabs page of the Preferences Window. Keyboard shortcuts can help you efficiently browse the Web. or right-click the tab and choose Close Tab from the drop-down menu. For additional information or help with Galeon. Shortcut [Ctrl]-[T] [Ctrl]-[N] [Ctrl]-[Q] [Ctrl]-[L] [Ctrl]-[P] [Ctrl]-[right arrow] [Ctrl]-[left arrow] [Ctrl]-[R] [Ctrl]-[H] [Ctrl]-[F] Table 6-1. From there.Chapter 6. To close a tab. To launch a new Tab. which is accessible by choosing Settings => Preferences from the browser's main menu. 6. use the [Ctrl]-[T] key combination or select New Tab from the File menu. Web Browser Keyboard Shortcuts Table 6-1 shows some common keyboard shortcuts available in both Mozilla and Galeon.
Web Browsing .44 Chapter 6.
Server type for receiving email (POP or IMAP) In order to receive mail. Unless properly configured. receive. Email Applications Email is a very popular way of communicating with others over the Internet. Since all email clients perform the same basic tasks (send and receive email). contact your ISP or network administrator. you can choose one with the features that best suits your particular needs. you should have some information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) handy so that you can configure the client properly. IMAP differs from POP in that email from IMAP servers are stored on the server and stays there even as you download and read your mail. an application that understands the various email transmission standards and allows you to send. The following lists a few important things you may need to know: Your email address The email address you will use to send and receive mail. This POP or IMAP address. whereas POP mail is downloaded to your email client directly and does not stay on the server. is a protocol for retrieving email messages from your ISP's email server.Chapter 7. POP. the place where incoming email is stored. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate how to use some of the popular email applications included in Red Hat Linux. is used to send email from a mail server to your email client's inbox. All of the email client applications are designed to suit certain types of users. This chapter will briefly discuss the following email clients: • • • Evolution Mozilla Mail Text-based email clients Before you launch an email client. you must know what type of server your network administrator or ISP is using. short for Internet Message Access Protocol. You can use email with an email client.net. Most email systems that send mail over the Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server to another. This is why you need to specify both the POP or IMAP server and the SMTP server when you configure your email application. Server type for sending email (SMTP) The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a protocol for sending email messages between servers. and text-based clients like mutt. SMTP is also used to send messages from a mail client to a mail server.net. including graphical email clients like Evolution and Mozilla Mail. IMAP. If you have any questions regarding what information you need. Most ISP email servers use the POP protocol. and read email. Red Hat Linux includes several email applications. . is usually in the form of mail. so. the messages can then be retrieved with an email client using either POP or IMAP. you will not be able to make full use of the email clients discussed in this chapter. short for Post Office Protocol. choose the one that is most convenient and easy to use.someisp. although some can use the newer IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol). This is usually in the form of yourname@yourisp.
Figure 7-2. which allows you to configure your email connection. Follow the on-screen instructions and fill in the information you collected from your ISP or administrator in the text boxes provided. When you are done. and is the default email client for Red Hat Linux. including powerful mailbox management. Figure 7-1. click Finish. go to Main Menu => Internet => Email. and quick searches. Evolution is a full-featured personal and workgroup information management tool for Linux and UNIX-based systems.1. . Evolution Welcome Screen The first time you start Evolution you will be presented with the Welcome Screen (Figure 7-1). Evolution Main Screen To see what is in your inbox or to send an email. Email Applications 7. It additionally features a flexible calendar/scheduler which allows users to create and confirm group meetings and special events online. user-defined filters. It provides all of the standard email client features. To launch Evolution from the desktop panel. click on the Inbox icon. and you will be presented with the Main Screen as shown in Figure 7-2. Evolution Evolution is more than just an email client.46 Chapter 7.
While Evolution does so much more than read and send email. Figure 7-4. . like calendering/scheduling and group messaging.Chapter 7. If you would like to learn more about using some of the other features of Evolution. this chapter focusses exclusively on its email capabilities. click Send on the toolbar. select New Message from the toolbar. Evolution New Email Message Screen Once you have composed a message and entered an email address to send the email to. Email Applications 47 Figure 7-3. click Help from the main toolbar and choose the component you want to learn more about. Evolution Inbox Screen To compose a mail.
Mozilla Mail New Email Message Screen . To start Mozilla Mail. Figure 7-5. Mozilla Mail This section briefly covers the basic steps for sending and receiving email with Mozilla. If you need further information about using Mozilla Mail. Email Applications 7.48 Chapter 7. select Main Menu => Extras Internet => Mozilla Mail. Mozilla Mail and News Figure 7-6. click on the mail icon near the lower left corner of the Mozilla screen. To open Mozilla Mail while in Mozilla. the Mozilla Help contents are located under Help on the main menu.2.
click on OK. You do not have to post messages if you do not want to. Once you read a message. you can go back to the main mail screen and go to File => Send unsent messages. enter the name of your news server (if you do not know the name of your news server. Then. listing all the newsgroups available. and more. The New Account Setup screen will appear. Posting to a newsgroup is just like writing .2. When you are done. Now. To read email. On the last few screens. If you choose to send later. Newsgroup Account Setup Enter your name and email address on the next screen and click Next. click on the Send button or go to File => Send Now or Send Later. Email Applications 49 To send an email. The discussions are in threaded format (which means all topics and responses to the topic are sorted and organized for convenient reading) and subscribing to a group is very easy. you can just lurk. save it to a separate folder. click on the message you want to read.1. You can even post and download pictures and files to Newsgroups (although your ISP may restrict Newsgroups to text-based postings only). which is a Newsgroup term for reading without posting messages. Select the newsgroup you want to access and a dialog box appears with information about downloading and reading existing messages.Chapter 7. Select Newsgroup account and then click Next. There are a great many newsgroups on the Web with topics ranging from politics to computer games to random strange thoughts. click on the mail folder you created for yourself to see a list of messages waiting for you. 7. Select the groups you are interested in reading and click Subscribe. you can determine the name that this account will be referred to and review your settings. Figure 7-7. you can delete it. Right-click on this account name and select Subscribe. Mozilla and Newsgroups Newsgroups are Internet discussion groups with specific topics. On the following screen. To join a newsgroup. contact your Internet service provider or network administrator for this information). you first need to set up a newsgroup account. click on the arrow next to the newsgroup account name and the list of groups you are subscribed to will appear beneath. Click on your mail account name in the sidebar and select Create a new account from the options that appear on the right of the screen. A dialog box appears. The newsgroup account you created will appear in the sidebar of the Mozilla mail screen.
If you cannot remember the command you want to use. it takes time to understand the features and what they can do for you. and there are no special fonts. gives mutt its flexibility and configurability. Plain text emails are simple. Using Mutt Mutt is a small but very powerful text-based mail client for UNIX operating systems. with either boolean or string values. except that the newsgroup name appears in the To field rather than an email address.1. This initial menu is called the index. To unsubscribe from a newsgroup.muttrc. All configuration options can be changed at any time by typing a [:] followed by the relevant command. Plain text (also called clear text) is the most portable format because it is supported by nearly every email application on various types of machines. The particular font can be specified. The advantage of HTML formatted email is that they can contain graphics and interactive links to Web sites.g. Plain Text Email Clients Most modern email clients allow the user to select whether they want to send their emails in plain text or in HTML. Most of the options are invoked using the set or unset commands. On the other hand. the first thing you see is a screen with a list of email messages. They is nothing fancy. For example :unset help turns off the handy keyboard command hints at the top of the screen. When you launch mutt. type :set help.muttrc or ~/. To turn those hints back on. all this makes for a visually appealing message when it gets to the recipient. plain text email is just that — plain text. ~/. and pictures or backgrounds can be added. there is always tab-completion to help you. This configuration file must exist in your home directory.3. receive. it has to be named either ~/. The term plain text refers to textual data in ASCII format. textures. set folder = ~/Mail. Email Applications an email. Mutt's configuration file.3. . It is also this file that might give new users problems. mutt allows the user to control nearly all of the functions that mutt uses to send.50 Chapter 7. and read your mail. e. The number of options that mutt has available to it are truly astounding. you can save them in a file which is loaded every time the program starts up. the layout is very controllable. You do not have to type all your preferred configuration commands each time you run mutt. right-click on the group name and select Unsubscribe. This chapter will discuss the mutt plain text email client.mutt/muttrc. 7. As is true with all powerful software. 7. there are no pictures embedded in the email.
refer to the man pages for muttrc and mutt (type man muttrc or man mutt at the shell prompt). Mutt displays the compose menu. You may also find the mutt manual to be very helpful. Type your message. Mutt will prompt for the To: address and the Subject: line. Use the [K] and [J] keys on your keyboard to move the highlighted cursor up and down the list of messages. add file attachments or simply press the [Y] key to send your email on its way. that you can think of as your inbox. where you can customize your message headers.Chapter 7. use the [R] key to reply to a message or the [M] key to create a new one. change the encoding. often called the mailspool.2. Email Applications 51 Figure 7-8. mutt Main Screen These messages are in a default mail folder. save your file and exit the editor.x . In the index or pager views. After editing your email. . To learn more about mutt. A text editor (defined by your $EDITOR environmental variable in the configuration file) will then launch allowing you to compose your message. where x is the version number of mutt installed on your system. The mutt manual is installed in /usr/share/doc/mutt-1.
52 Chapter 7. Email Applications .
which can contain spaces. The printer name may contain letters. such as one attached through a parallel port or USB port on your computer. Red Hat Linux provides drivers for most printer models. Printer hardware manufacturers distribute CD-ROMs or diskettes with their printers. The printer name cannot contain spaces and must begin with a letter. For remote printer setup and more advanced printer configuration issues. enter a short description for the printer. as most operating systems require these CD-ROMs because they contain printer drivers — software that communicates with both the printer and the operating system. Figure 8-1. all you need to do is attach the printer to your Red Hat Linux system. The Printer Configuration Tool Red Hat Linux includes a graphical utility for configuring local and remote printers without the need to install additional drivers and applications. refer to the chapter called Printer Configuration in the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide. With few exceptions.1. turn on the printer. and configure it with the useful tools provided by Red Hat Linux. This chapter shows you how to set up and test a printer directly connected to your Red Hat Linux system. click the New button in the main Printer Configuration Tool window to display the window in Figure 8-1. Printer Configuration Most computer users either own a printer at home or use one at work. Adding a Local Printer To add a local printer. The Printer Configuration Tool uses a step-by-step process that can help you configure a printer faster than editing configuration files manually. numbers. thus the drivers and software on the printer manufacturer's CD-ROM and diskettes are not needed. dashes (-). Click Forward to proceed.2. 8. Printers have become a very popular PC peripheral due to their increasing quality and decreasing prices. Adding a Printer In the window shown in Figure 8-2. Optionally. enter a unique name for the printer in the Name text field. 8. and underscores (_). .Chapter 8.
54 Chapter 8. Printer Configuration Figure 8-2. Select the name of the printer manufacturer from the pulldown menu. Go to Section 8. You will see a window similar to Figure 8-4. If no devices appear in the list. Figure 8-3.3 Selecting the Printer Model and Finishing to continue. The device is usually /dev/lp0 for a parallel printer or /dev/usb/lp0 for a USB printer. The printer models are updated each time a different manufacturer is selected. Selecting the Printer Model and Finishing After selecting the queue type of the printer. If it was not auto-detected.3. Select Locally-connected from the Select a queue type menu. select the model from the list. and select the device. Selecting a Queue Name After clicking Forward. Select the printer model from the list. The printers are divided by manufacturers. Figure 8-3 appears. the next step is to select the printer model. click Rescan devices to rescan the computer or click Custom device to specify it manually. 8. Click Forward to continue. . Adding a Local Printer The next step is to select the type of printer.
If you are configuring a remote printer (IPP. If the test fails. the data is filtered multiple times and is converted to a format that the printer can not understand. Click Apply to add the print queue if the settings are correct. clicking the Driver tab. Selecting a Printer Model The recommended print driver is selected based on the printer model selected. If you select an additional print driver on your local computer. Click the Apply button in the main window to save your changes and restart the printer daemon.4 Printing a Test Page for details. first try selecting Generic as the manufacturer and Raw Print Queue or Postscript Printer as the printer model. To make sure the data is not filtered more than once. Click Back to modify the printer configuration.5 Modifying Existing Printers for details. If you need to print characters beyond the basic ASCII set (including those used for languages such as Japanese).3. 8. the remote print server usually has its own print driver. selecting the printer from the list. The print driver processes the data that you want to print into a format the printer can understand. Tip You can select a different print driver after adding a printer by starting the Printer Configuration Tool. Since a local printer is attached directly to your computer. Confirming Printer Configuration The last step is to confirm your printer configuration. Refer to Section 8. Try selecting a print driver according to the manufacturer and model of the remote printer. print a test page to try out this new configuration. print a test page to ensure the configuration is correct. or NCP). and then applying the changes. After applying the changes. clicking Edit. applying the changes.1. SMB. LPD. . Printer Configuration 55 Figure 8-4. the remote print server might not have a print driver configured.Chapter 8. After applying the changes. you must review your driver options and select Prerender Postscript. and printing a test page. You can also configure options such as paper size if you edit the print queue after adding it. you need a print driver to process the data that is sent to the printer. Refer to Section 8. selecting a different print driver.
If you change the print driver or modify the driver options.5. Modifying Existing Printers To delete an existing printer. you should print a test page to test the different configuration. . Printer Configuration 8. Printing a Test Page After you have configured your printer. The default printer icon appears in the Default column of the default printer in the list. To print a test page. Click Apply in the main Printer Configuration Tool window to save the changes and restart the printer daemon. Click Apply to save the changes and restart the printer daemon. the settings can be edited by selecting the printer from the printer list and clicking the Edit button. select the printer that you want to try out from the printer list.4. you should print a test page to make sure the printer is functioning properly. Make any necessary changes. The window contains the current values for the selected printer. and click OK. then select the appropriate test page from the Test pulldown menu.56 Chapter 8. Test Page Options 8. To set the default printer. select the printer and click the Delete button on the toolbar. The printer is removed from the printer list. select the printer from the printer list and click the Default button on the toolbar. After adding the printer(s). The tabbed window shown in Figure 8-6 is displayed. Figure 8-5.
8. click OK to return to the main window. This option is only available with the LPRng printing system.5.3. Printer Configuration 57 Figure 8-6.5. 8.5.Chapter 8. try selecting Send End-ofTransmission (EOT) instead. If it is changed. Printer Driver The Printer driver tab shows which print driver is currently being used. Refer to the appropriate section on adding a printer for a description of the options. the form feed light flashes).2. If this does not work. • .5. Options vary for each print driver. Click Apply to save the changes and restart the printer daemon. Queue Name To rename a printer or change its short description. Refer to Send Form-Feed (FF) above.4. Common options include: • Send Form-Feed (FF) should be selected if the last page of the print job is not ejected from the printer (for example. Send End-of-Transmission (EOT) should be selected if sending a form-feed does not work.1. Driver Options The Driver Options tab displays advanced printer options. Click Apply to save the change and restart the printer daemon. Queue Type The Queue type tab shows the queue type that was selected when adding the printer and its settings. click OK to return to the main window. Click Apply to save the change and restart the printer daemon. The queue type of the printer can be changed or just the settings. Click OK to return to the main window. 8. After making modifications. change the value in the Queue name tab. This option is only available with the LPRng printing system. The name of the printer should change in the printer list. Depending on which queue type is chosen. Some printers require both Send Form-Feed (FF) and Send Endof-Transmission (EOT) to eject the last page. different options are displayed. Editing a Printer 8.
accept the default of C. Click Apply to save the change and restart the printer daemon. Do not choose it unless problems printing the correct fonts exist. This option converts it to PostScript level 1. The print spool queue is a list of print jobs that have been sent to the printer and information about each print request. A3. This option is only available if the PostScript driver is used with the CUPS printing system. the print driver assumes that any data that it can not recognize is text and attempts to print it as text.58 Chapter 8. Also select this option if the printer can not handle PostScript level 3. and more. If this option is selected along with the Convert Text to Postscript option. click the Printer Manager icon on the panel to start the GNOME Print Manager as shown in Figure 8-7. Change this option to use paper from a different tray. The options include US Letter. 8. This option is only available with the LPRng printing system. Page Size allows the paper size to be selected. try selecting this option. or Convert to PS level 2 in case the printer can not handle certain PostScript levels. . If the printer does not support the fonts you are trying to print. Convert to PS level 1. such as printing text file from Emacs or printing an image from The GIMP. the print driver assumes the unknown data is text and then converts it to PostScript. If the printer can print plain text. Managing Print Jobs When you send a print job to the printer daemon. try unselecting this when printing plain text documents to decrease the time it takes to print. If you are running a graphical desktop environment. the hostname of the system that sent the request. Printer Configuration Assume Unknown Data is Text should be selected if the print driver does not recognize some of the data sent to it. • • • GhostScript pre-filtering — allows you to select No pre-filtering. If Japanese characters are being printed. • • • • To modify the driver options. select ja_JP. the job number. Otherwise. If the CUPS printing system is used. Media Source defaults to Printer default. Convert Text to Postscript is selected by default. Effective Filter Locale defaults to C. If this option is selected.6. the print job is added to the print spool queue. the username of the person who sent the request. this is not an option because text is always converted to PostScript. For example. click OK to return to the main window. select this option to print Japanese fonts to a non-Japanese printer. Extra time is required to perform this action. such as the status of the request. Prerender Postscript should be selected if characters beyond the basic ASCII set are being sent to the printer but they are not printing correctly (such as Japanese characters). and A4. This option prerenders non-standard PostScript fonts so that they are printed correctly. Only select this option if there are problems printing. US Legal.
To print a file from Nautilus. List of Print Jobs To cancel a specific print job listed in the GNOME Print Manager. right-click on the icon for the printer and select Properties. The Printer Configuration Tool is then started. Figure 8-8. browse to the location of the file and drag and drop it on to the Print Manager icon on the Panel. GNOME Print Manager It can also be started by selecting Main Menu Button (on the Panel) => System Tools => Print Manager.Chapter 8. Figure 8-9. Printer Notification Icon Clicking on the printer notification icon starts the GNOME Print Manager to display a list of current print jobs. Double-click on a configured printer to view the print spool queue as shown in Figure 8-8. If there are active print jobs in the print spool. Also located on the Panel is a Print Manager icon. To change the printer settings. the icon might not be displayed for short print jobs. Click OK to start printing the file. select it from the list and select Edit => Cancel Documents from the pulldown menu. a printer notification icon might appears in the Panel Notification Area of the desktop panel as shown in Figure 8-9. Printer Configuration 59 Figure 8-7. . The window shown in Figure 8-10 is displayed. Because it probes for active print jobs every five seconds.
Chapter 8. Printer Configuration
Figure 8-10. Print Verification Window To view the list of print jobs in the print spool from a shell prompt, type the command lpq. The last few lines will look similar to the following:
Rank Owner/ID active user@localhost+902 Class A Job Files 902 sample.txt Size Time 2050 01:20:46
Example 8-1. Example of lpq output If you want to cancel a print job, find the job number of the request with the command lpq and then use the command lprm job number . For example, lprm 902 would cancel the print job in Example 8-1. You must have proper permissions to cancel a print job. You can not cancel print jobs that were started by other users unless you are logged in as root on the machine to which the printer is attached. You can also print a file directly from a shell prompt. For example, the command lpr sample.txt will print the text file sample.txt. The print filter determines what type of file it is and converts it a format the printer can understand.
8.7. Additional Resources
To learn more about printing on Red Hat Linux, refer to the following resources.
8.7.1. Installed Documentation
• man printcap —
The manual page for the /etc/printcap printer configuration file.
• map lpr — The manual page for the lpr command that allows you to print files from the command
• man lpd
— The manual page for the LPRng printer daemon.
Chapter 8. Printer Configuration
• man lprm
— The manual page for the command line utility to remove print jobs from the LPRng spool queue. — The manual page for the command line utility to print multiple pages on one sheet — The manual page for the CUPS printer daemon. The manual page for the CUPS printer daemon configuration file. The manual page for the class configuration file for CUPS.
• man mpage
of paper.
• man cupsd
• man cupsd.conf —
• man classes.conf —
8.7.2. Useful Websites
• •
http://www.linuxprinting.org — GNU/Linux Printing contains a large amount of information about printing in Linux. http://www.cups.org/ — Documentation, FAQs, and newsgroups about CUPS.
Chapter 8. Printer Configuration
which incorporates several complementary applications into one integrated package. . image formats.sda. and wizards for creating basic professional documents and presentations quickly. reports Spreadsheets. at school.png Table 9-1. and create files in several formats. . .sdd Document Types Formal letters. . lectures.ppt. .htm/.Chapter 9.sdw.sdc. simple databases Business and academic presentations. Web presentations. graphs.htm/.org suite has many file compatibility features. line drawings. If you have ever worked with or received .html . and presentation utilities. Using OpenOffice. lectures. and . resumes.sxd. The applications that comprise a productivity suite are integrated — which means that you can. slide shows . or printed collateral. It includes templates.txt.org Impress OpenOffice. OpenOffice.html . Whether you are preparing for a business or school presentation. visual form of document formatting is called what you see is what you get (or WYSIWYG) editing. productivity suites are graphical and include such applications as word processors. . Red Hat Linux includes a powerful business productivity suite called OpenOffice.sxd.org suite is able to read. spreadsheets. including files which are commonly associated with Microsoft Office. Application OpenOffice. The OpenOffice.xls files. budgets. . . This real-time. for example. export files to several Illustrations. Working with Documents Red Hat Linux includes several tools for managing all of your documents.dbf.doc. and artwork. organizational charts . 9.org Writer OpenOffice.1. .xls.bmp. including .csv.slk.org Suite Productivity suites are collections of applications designed to save time and assist users at work. spreadsheets. Table 9-1 shows the many different types of files you can use and tasks you can accomplish with the OpenOffice. business presentations. tables. business forms. you know they are commonly associated with the Microsoft Office suite. . write a document with an embedded chart created by the spreadsheet application as well as a slide from a graphical presentation application. OpenOffice.org Features As you can see. It allows you complete control over the layout and content of your documents and lets you see the results as you edit it.org Draw File Compatibility . edit.org.org suite.jpg.1. Usually.doc or . .org Calc OpenOffice. newsletters. writing a formal letter. . and allows you to .sxc. and at home. .sxw.rtf.org Features The OpenOffice. personnel directories.sxi. address books. . . charts. Red Hat Linux has a tool that suits your needs. forms. The OpenOffice. the OpenOffice. Integration of the software that make up a productivity suite helps you to give impact to your presentations. clip art.1.org suite contains several applications for creating and editing documents.org is much faster and easier than learning complex tags and code to format your documents and presentations. . school papers.gif. 9. or opening a document from an email attachment.
type oowriter. Figure 9-1 shows OpenOffice.org Writer from your desktop panel. to start it from a shell prompt. and print your documents without the need to memorize complex formatting tags or codes.64 Chapter 9. toggling the automatic highlighting of misspelled words. letter sizes.org suite. To save your text. a pop-up Tip is displayed with a brief explanation of the button's functionality. The default file type is appropriate for files that you are working on exclusively with OpenOffice.org Writer window is exactly what you get if you printed the document or if you gave the document file to someone else for them to view. The following sections shows you how to use the OpenOffice. choose Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice. You can immediately begin typing text into the document editing area at any time using the default . business. saving. There are also buttons for opening. as well as buttons for creating new documents (which will open up a new window with a blank document for you to add content).org is similar to other word processing applications you may have used before. OpenOffice. If you hover the mouse cursor over a toolbar button.org Writer is a powerful word processor that features WYSIWYG formatting — what you see in the OpenOffice.org applications. and more.org Writer Writing documents using OpenOffice. which opens the pop-up file browser. click the Save button choose the file format from the File type drop down menu at the bottom of the browser window. justification (aligning the text of your document to the left. Along the left side of the window. At the top of the window are various functions collected into toolbars that let you choose your fonts.2. or if you are .1. and printing documents. keyword and phrase searching. and other convenient editing functions.org Writer in action: Figure 9-1. OpenOffice. OpenOffice. design. A word processor is like a text editor but has several additional features that allow you to format. The main interface is the document editing area (the white space in the middle of the window) where you can add and edit text. However. or right margins). Working with Documents accomplish several tasks for academic. there is a toolbar with buttons for checking your spelling. You can settings. You can display more detailed Tips by clicking the Help menu and choosing Extended Tips.org Writer To start OpenOffice. or home use.org Writer. 9. There is also a text box that enables you to specify the exact location of a document on your machine and load the document into the editing area. for files that you need to distribute to Microsoft Office users. center.
illustrations.doc extension.Chapter 9.org Writer is useful for general document editing. creating business charts.org Calc from a shell prompt.org Calc is a software spreadsheet application that allows you to enter and manipulate data cells organized in columns and rows. and tables to your document to complement your text or give impact to your documents. you can save it in any format that you wish. To add an image to the document. The image will appear where you placed your cursor and can be made larger or smaller by clicking on the resizing borders around the image.3. A cell is a container for individual pieces of data. label.org Calc from the desktop panel. charts. Note that you can also export your document to HTML or PDF format. . select Insert => Graphics => From File. To start OpenOffice. You can perform calculations on groups of cells (such as adding or subtracting a column of cells) or create charts based on the quantities contained in a group of cells. and manipulating data.1. Figure 9-2 shows an image added to a document. professionals in every industry use spreadsheets for keeping records. 9. or mathematical formula. Working with Documents 65 editing a file that was sent as an email attachment with the . and choose the image from the pop-up file browser.org Calc. Figure 9-2. OpenOffice. formats which can be read by almost every computer with a Web browser (such as Mozilla) or PDF viewer application (such as xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader). Adding an Image to Your Document Once you have created your document. you can save the file as a Microsoft Word file type that others will be able to open it in Microsoft Word. Consult Table 9-1 for available file formats. You can even incorporate spreadsheet data into your documents for a professional touch. While OpenOffice. select Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice. type oocalc.org Calc in action. such as a quantity. Figure 9-3 shows OpenOffice. you can also add objects such as images. To start OpenOffice. OpenOffice.org Calc From large enterprises to home offices.
. OpenOffice.org Calc OpenOffice. Working with Documents Figure 9-3. You can move it anywhere on the screen for printing. Choose the style you want.66 Chapter 9. OpenOffice. the data ranges you chose will be shown in the text box for you to customize further if desired. refer to the documentation by selecting Help => Contents.. For detailed information about creating functions for calculating your numerical data in OpenOffice. . you can create a personal budget by entering data descriptions (such as rent. Highlight the areas you would like to chart. groceries.org Calc. and utilities) into column A and the quantities of those data descriptions in column B.org Writer documents or OpenOffice. Then you can run a formula on column B to come up with a total.org Calc has several preset functions and calculations (such as =SUM() for addition/multiplication. OpenOffice. The graph will be displayed anchored within the spreadsheet window. and =subtotal()for preparing receipts). If you need to create charts or graphs for class or business presentations. and click Create.org has several chart and graph templates available.org Impress presentations.org Calc allows you to enter the data either in the cell itself by double clicking the cell and typing your information or by using the Input Line (the text box on the toolbar). For example. =quotient() for division. Click Next to display the many different charts and graphs you can create using your data. OpenOffice. In the Chart window. then click Insert => Chart. or you can save the graph as an object that you can then embed in OpenOffice..org Calc allows you to enter and manipulate personal or business data.
Chapter 9. Working with Documents 67 Figure 9-4. Creating Charts with OpenOffice.sxc as well as Microsoft Office compatible . You can make slides with itemized lists. OpenOffice.org Calc. Additionally. OpenOffice. outlines. and presentations.org Impress from a shell prompt. OpenOffice. including the native .xls formats.org Impress Visual aids can give your presentations an added impact that catches your audience's attention and keeps them interested.org Calc You can save spreadsheets created with OpenOffice. 9. To start OpenOffice. Figure 9-5 shows OpenOffice.org Calc in several file formats. select Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice.1. you can export rendered charts and graphs to several image file formats and integrate them with document files.org Impress is a graphical tool that can help you make a more convincing presentation. . or images.org Impress features a step-by-step automated presentation wizard called AutoPilot that allows you to create presentations from a collection of default style templates. You can even import charts and graphs created by OpenOffice. To start OpenOffice.4.org Calc into a slide.org Impress from the graphical desktop.org Impress in action.org Impress. For more information about using OpenOffice. webpages. refer to the help page located in Help => Contents from the file menus. type ooimpress.
and any animated visual effects you want to apply to the slides if you run presentations from your computer. slides. you will be presented with the AutoPilot. You can choose the style of your slides. the Microsoft PowerPoint format (mypresentation. mypresentation. OpenOffice. in the floating toolbar.org Impress AutoPilot Wizard Once you have chosen your preferences with AutoPilot tool. Your presentation can be saved in several file formats. Figure 9-6.. or a display monitor). you can choose the type of slide you want to create.68 Chapter 9. The presentation will be presented in full screen. You can save in the native OpenOffice. You can have as many slides in your presentation as you need. the medium with which you will present your slides (plain paper. You can also preview your presentation at any point by selecting Slide Show => Slide Show from the file menus.org Impress. OpenOffice.org Impress format (for example.org Impress When you first start OpenOffice. Working with Documents Figure 9-5. or StarImpress format (mypresentation.sdd). . and a pop-up window will appear allowing you to choose the layout of the new slide.ppt). which you can exit by cycling through every slide until you reach the end or by pressing the [Esc] key at any point in the slide show. You can also print your presentation to plain or transparent paper formats by clicking File => Print from the file menu.. transparent paper for overhead projectors. You can select a pre-formatted slide from the list or start with a blank slide and customize the layout yourself. To add new slides to your presentation. click Insert Slide.sxi).
org Draw in action. Figure 9-7 Shows OpenOffice.1. 69 9. . Figure 9-7. OpenOffice. and more.org Draw.org Draw. To start OpenOffice. you can save the file in one of several native file formats or export your work to several popular formats such as .org Draw has some of the same basic functions. click Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice. basic shapes such as squares and circles.org Draw.org Impress. place on websites.org Draw If you are familiar with illustration and graphics applications such as The GIMP (refer to Chapter 11 Working with Images for more information). you can use OpenOffice. or attach to emails.5.jpg or . You can create images and fill them with the color of your choice using the Area Style/Filling drop-down menu on the main toolbar. Refer to Table 9-1 for the complete list of compatible image file formats.png. type oodraw.org Draw from the desktop panel. Working with Documents To learn more about OpenOffice. OpenOffice. There are toolbars for creating straight and curved lines. 3D objects such as cones and cubes.Chapter 9. To start OpenOffice. refer to the documentation located at Help => Contents from the file menus. OpenOffice. When you complete your illustration or image modifications.org Draw also allows you to open and import images and modify them with the tools provided. You can additionally insert text into your illustrations.org Draw from a shell prompt. For more information on using OpenOffice. Using your mouse as a you would a pen or a paintbrush.org Draw allows you to make illustrations and save them in several formats that you can add to printed documents. click Help => Contents from the file menus. OpenOffice.org Draw If you want to create graphics for your documents and presentations. you will find that OpenOffice.
You can begin using gedit immediately or click the Open button to locate the plain text file you want to edit. gedit Once gedit is running. and print files. click Main Menu => Accessories => Text Editor. choose the file you want . you are presented with a blank editing area. applications that allow you to view and modify plain text files. You can navigate the text file by clicking and holding the scroll bar on the right edge of the window and moving your mouse cursor up and down. Tip gedit allows you to open multiple text files in one window using separate tabs for each file. It can open. edit. gedit has a clear and understandable interface that uses tabs so that you can open more than one file at the same time without opening more than one gedit window. Working with Documents 9.70 Chapter 9. Editing Text Files Red Hat Linux includes several text editors.2. gedit is a graphical text editor. or. Press the [Page Up] and [Page Down] keys to advance the document a page at a time. The file will load into the main editing area as shown in Figure 9-8. To start gedit. and save plain text files. You can also start gedit by typing gedit at a shell prompt. click Open. create new text files. Note gedit can only be used in a graphical desktop environment. If you have a file already open and want to copy text from another file. such as system logs and configuration files. Plain text files are files that contain text without any font or style formatting applied to it. Figure 9-8. use the arrow keys to navigate through the text file line-by-line. You can also cut and paste text to and from other graphical desktop applications.
type [:] and then type [q] followed by [!]. then any changes you make will automatically appear in the file the next time you open it. To add text. vi is a simple application that opens within the shell prompt and allows you to view. To start vi. vi By default. 9. and the file will open in a new tab within the gedit window. meaning that you can view and run built-in commands on the file but you cannot add text to it. press [:] (which is the vi command mode) and press [q] then [Enter]. which is convenient if. press [:] and type [w] then [q] to write your changes to the file and exit the application. and vi reverts to Normal mode.. For more information about gedit. a pop-up window will prompt you to name the file and save it in the directory of your choice. You can also choose File => Save As. If you accidentally made changes to a file and you want to exit vi without saving the changes.2. press [Esc]. you are editing a configuration file and you want to test your changes without losing your original configuration. Red Hat Linux includes the vi (pronounced vee-eye) text editor. Shell Prompt Text Editors If you are not using a graphical desktop and want to read and modify a text or configuration file. search. © ¨ . type vi at a shell prompt. If you are editing an existing file. If you are writing a new text file. or by choosing File => Save from the file menus. vi opens a file in Normal mode. and modify text files. which exits without saving changes. Figure 9-9. Once you have modified or written your text file. You can navigate between each file by clicking on the the tab associated with the particular filename. If you have made changes to the text file that you want to save. press [i] (for Insert mode). To exit vi.Chapter 9.. for example. To open a file with vi type vi filename at a shell prompt. To exit insert mode. which will allow you to make any modifications you need to. More information about using vi can be found by typing man vi at a shell prompt. choose Help => Contents from the file menus to access the gedit manual. to save an existing file under a new name or in a different location. you can save it by pressing the Save button in the toolbar. Working with Documents 71 to access.1.
xpdf To view a PDF with xpdf: 1. To view a PDF you must have a PDF reader.adobe. go to Main Menu => Graphics => PDF Viewer. Select the PDF file you want to view and click Open. In your desktop environment. 4. Working with Documents 9.com/. at a shell prompt type man xpdf. as well as standard zoom. PDF captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications. . An open source application called xpdf is included with Red Hat Linux. Viewing PDFs A PDF (Portable Document Format) file is an electronic image of a document. You can also launch xpdf by typing xpdf at a shell prompt. 2. making it possible to send formatted documents and have them appear on the recipient's monitor or printer as they were intended. Figure 9-10. Select Open to display the file browser.3. The xpdf toolbar at the bottom has navigational tools that let you move backward and forward through the PDF document. Another popular PDF viewer is Adobe Acrobat Reader. and find tools.72 Chapter 9. To view the xpdf man page. The xpdf man page provides useful information on the xpdf options. Right-click in the xpdf screen to display a list of options. While it is not included with Red Hat Linux. print. you can download it free of charge at http://www. 3.
You can edit the track listings for your CDs by clicking the Open track editor button. CD Player Interface The CD Player interface acts similar to a standard CD player. and General Amusement This chapter presents you with the lighter side of Red Hat Linux. a cross-platform multimedia player which allows you to play several digital audio file formats. The CD Player application should appear automatically and begin playing the first audio track. . pause.2. Red Hat Linux includes the powerful X Multimedia System (XMMS). Red Hat Linux provides many packages to assist you in having some fun with your computer. CD Player Preferences 10. Audio. Playing Digital Audio Files Digital audio has become very popular in recent years. If the interface does not appear. click Main Menu => Sound & Video => CD Player to launch the CD Player application. To take advantage of this technology. You can also change the way the application functions by clicking on the Open Preferences button. Press the Next track and Previous Track buttons to skip forward or backward one track. place the CD in your CD-ROM drive.Chapter 10. Figure 10-2. with play. and stop functions. Here you can set themes for the player as well as set the behavior of the CD-ROM drive when you open or quit the CD Player application. Playing Audio CDs To play an audio CD. Users enjoy the technology because the sound quality is excellent compared to analog tape or records. and the files are compact (audio files can easily be transferred across the Internet). you can also use the Track List drop down menu to select a track from the available listing. There is even a sliding bar that allows you to adjust the volume. Figure 10-1. From games and toys to multimedia applications. 10. Video.1.
refer to the man page by typing man xmms at a shell prompt. The Load File(s) Window In Figure 10-4. To launch XMMS. To learn more about using XMMS and its many options. Video. go to Main Menu => Sound & Video => XMMS. and General Amusement Figure 10-3. The files that end in .3. you see that there are several files to choose from. By default XMMS can play Ogg Vorbis. XMMS Interface XMMS can be used for more than just playing digital audio files. the . There are also buttons to stop.1. click the Open button window. RIFF wave. Using XMMS To play an audio file with XMMS. . and most module formats.ogg are Ogg Vorbis files. To launch XMMS from a shell prompt. Audio. and choose a file from the Load File(s) Figure 10-4. Troubleshooting Your Sound Card If. a popular new audio file format. click and hold the mouse button and drag it over all of the files you want to open) and click OK. To adjust the volume click the volume slider (the long slider above the Open button) to the left to lower the volume or to the right to increase it like a CD player.pls file is an audio playlist file. This can be convenient if you have several audio files and you want to categorize them (for example. Notice that XMMS begins to play your audio files immediately. 10. you do not hear sound and know that you do have a sound card installed. You can use XMMS to add audio files into a list and then save it as a playlist. type the command xmms. 10.74 Chapter 10. pause. XMMS can be extended via plugins to play a number of other digital multimedia formats. Highlight the file you wish to play (if you have multiple files. Additionally. by genre or artist). and skip (backward and forward) your audio files. you can run the Sound Card Configuration Tool utility. for some reason.2.
conf file to include the sound card module that it should use. you can manually edit your /etc/modules. 10. Figure 10-5.tldp. there are alternatives. The Sound Card Configuration Tool utility probes your system for sound cards. but there are some sound cards that are not completely compatible or may not work at all. You can edit your modules.3.3. Video.org/HOWTO/Sound-HOWTO/ . and General Amusement 75 To use the Sound Card Configuration Tool. it will automatically try to configure the correct settings for your card.com/ to see if your card is supported. choose Main Menu => System Settings => Soundcard Detection.1.Chapter 10. Note Most sound cards are supported by Red Hat Linux. If you can hear the sample. For example: alias sound sb alias midi opl3 options opl3 io=0x388 options sb io=0x220 irq=7 dma=0. Audio. You can then click the Play test sound button to play a sound sample. Manual Sound Card Configuration If your sound card is not a plug and play card.1 mpu_io=0x300 For information on configuring sound manually.1. A small text box pops up prompting you for your root password. check the Hardware Compatibility List at http://hardware.conf file as discussed below (this strategy is not recommended for most new users) or refer to the documentation that came with your sound card for more information. If you are having trouble configuring your sound card. Sound Card Configuration Tool 10. If Sound Card Configuration Tool Does Not Work If the Sound Card Configuration Tool does not work (if the sample does not play and you still do not have audio sounds). If the utility detects a plug and play sound card.redhat. although they are not quite as simple as running the Sound Card Configuration Tool.1. select OK and your sound card configuration is complete. refer to the Linux Sound HOWTO at the Linux Documentation Project webpage: http://www.
You can also let X Configuration Tool probe your monitor for the correct model and vertical/horizontal frequency settings. X Configuration Tool attempts to automatically configure your video card and monitor settings for you.. Video. The games included in Red Hat Linux appeal to quite a large number of video game enthusiasts. Figure 10-6. or if you need to reconfigure your settings... you can use the X Configuration Tool utility. click Main Menu => System Settings => Display. To configure your video card manually.76 Chapter 10. Troubleshooting Your Video Card Video card configuration is handled during the Red Hat Linux installation (refer to the Red Hat Linux Installation Guide for more information). A pop-up window will display a list of video card models. then click the Configure. you should be able to start an X session and enjoy your graphical desktop environment.4. button next to the Monitor Type entry. You should do this. Audio. Choose your model and click OK.backup in case you need it to switch back to a previous configuration. Note The X Configuration Tool backs up your system's original video configuration file to /etc/X11/XF86Config.5. A pop-up window prompts you for your root password. X Configuration Tool To configure your monitor manually. then click the Configure. To run the X Configuration Tool. which then prompt you to input your root password. If you are working from a shell prompt and X is not working. 10. Games Playing games under Red Hat Linux is a fun way to pass the time. redhat-config-xfree86 attempts to start a minimal X session to allow you to continue your configuration. You can also let X Configuration Tool probe your video card for the correct model and settings by clicking the Probe Videocard button. You can also start from a shell prompt by typing the command redhat-config-xfree86. and General Amusement 10. click the Advanced tab. Choose your model and click OK. click the Advanced tab. A pop-up window will display a list of monitor models. However. if you did not choose to configure a video card at that time. button next to the Video Card entry. if you install a new video card. for example. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Figure 10-6 shows the Advanced tab for configuring your video device manually.. When you have finished reconfiguring your video card and monitor. Whether you enjoy card games like .
http://www. or space shooting games like Chromium and Maelstrom.Chapter 10.com/. here are a few suggestions: • • • • http://www. board games like Chess. then. In this game you point your mouse at matching marbles until they start to spin. . You can also browse the Internet for linux games using a search engine. http://www. Same GNOME — Match the Marbles Game 10. http://happypenguin.net — A website that covers Linux-compatible games in depth.tuxgames. For more information.com — A store where you can buy games just for Linux. you can find it in Red Hat Linux. and General Amusement 77 Aisle Riot (a solitaire card game).linuxgaming. Video. arcade games like Tux Racer. Finding Games Online There are many more games available within Red Hat Linux and online.google. Figure 10-7.linuxgames.org/ — the Linux gaming repository. Figure 10-7 shows a fun game for kids of all ages called Same GNOME. To start a game.6.com/ — a Linux gaming news site. you can click them to make them disappear. The object of the game is to make all the marbles disappear. click Main Menu => Games and select the game of your choice. Audio. such as http://www.
Chapter 10. Audio, Video, and General Amusement
Chapter 11. Working with Images
Digital images have grown in popularity with the development of the graphical Internet and the increasing quality of digital cameras. There are several types of image files, some of which are created using sophisticated illustration software packages, while others are made from digital sources such as a scanner or camera. You may have downloaded some of these image files from the Web or received them in an email. You may also want to create your own images to send to others. You can view and modify the most common types of image files using the many applications included in Red Hat Linux.
11.1. Viewing Images
This section discusses some of the common tools for viewing image files. Certain tools included in Red Hat Linux are specialized applications with several functions that enhance your image viewing experience; while others are general-purpose file managers that have integrated image viewing functionality.
11.1.1. Using Nautilus to View Images
Nautilus is a general-purpose file manager and browser for your graphical desktop environment. Nautilus has many functions beyond simple image viewing; however, for this section, we will use it for basic image browsing. For more information about Nautilus, see Chapter 2 Using the Graphical Desktop. Nautilus is known for its ease-of-use and it handles images with the same ease as it does for other file types. To begin browsing your image collection with Nautilus, double-click your home desktop icon: You will be presented with a view of all files and folders within your home directory. Double-click the image (or the folder containing the image) and Nautilus will open the file or folder within its browser window. Figure 11-1 shows that Nautilus automatically creates thumbnails of any images in your folders:
Figure 11-1. Contents of a Folder in Nautilus
Chapter 11. Working with Images
Double-click on any thumbnail icon to view the image in its native size. The image will load within the browser window. To increase or decrease the size of the viewed image in Nautilus, click on the zoom buttons next to the Location: field as shown in Figure 11-2:
Figure 11-2. The Zoom Function in Nautilus Click the + button to increase the size of the image or - to decrease it.
11.1.2. Using gThumb
gThumb is a powerful image viewer for graphical desktop users that supports several image file formats, including:
• • • • • • • • •
gThumb is useful for viewing individual image files as well as browsing collections of files in folders. It supports zoom in and zoom out functions, as well as thumbnail sized preview icons of all image files within a directory. It also supports several advanced options not found in Nautilus. gThumb can be started from your desktop panel. Choose Main Menu => Graphics => gThumb Image Viewer or type gthumb at a shell prompt to start the application. gThumb will browse your user home directory by default. If you have any images in this directory, the gallery panel will automatically generate thumbnails for you to highlight and view in the main display area.
each image in the slide show is presented for 4 seconds. The image can be zoomed in and out. By default. 11. and converting an image from one file format to another. You can stop the slide show at any time by pressing [Esc] or by moving your mouse cursor and clicking the Restore Normal View pop-up button that appears on the top left corner of the screen. Working with Images 81 Figure 11-3. collect multiple files into a catalog for easier access if they are located in different directories. gThumb Displaying a Folder of Images The interface of gThumb is straightforward.1. right-click on an image. which fills your desktop with multiple instances of the image. moving. right-click anywhere in the main gallery area and choose Set Image as Wallpaper => Restore. and be printed on your configured printer. The toolbar allows you to fit the image to the display window. and then choose the orientation of the image.2. Double-click an image preview thumbnail to view it within the main gallery area. Configuring gThumb gThumb allows you to customize several settings by choosing Edit => Preferences. You can combine functions within gThumb and create a dynamic presentation effect for groups of images within a directory. copying. Changing your Desktop Wallpaper with gThumb To change your desktop wallpaper with gThumb. and write descriptions about the images. To restore your desktop wallpaper to its default. choose Set Image as Wallpaper. which resizes the image from its native resolution to fit your screen size. .2.2. Click the Slide Show button on the toolbar and you will start a full-screen slide show where gThumb displays images in full screen. You can also tile the image. You can also scale and stretch the image. You can also set an image as your desktop wallpaper within the pop-up menu. set to full screen (which covers your entire screen with the image). The gThumb interface also has a text field for you to enter a particular path to your image directories. type the path to the the directory where your images are located and highlight the first image in the main gallery panel. In the text field below the toolbar.1. which sets the image at its native resolution on the desktop and fills the rest of the space with the default desktop color if the image is smaller than your desktop resolution.Chapter 11.1. 11. You can center the image on the page. Right-clicking on an image in the display area opens a pop-up menu of file management options such as renaming.
and more. Figure 11-5 shows a typical GIMP session in action. You can choose the layout of the application window. you start the GIMP using the command gimp. Working with Images The preferences pop-up menu lets advanced users change several of the default gThumb behaviors. GIMP Basics To use the GIMP. customize a default image directory on startup. you will need to know some of the basics.2. and change the interval between cycled images during a slide show. . 11. manipulate. 11.1. choose Help => Contents from the main menu. alter. Manipulating Images with the GIMP The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is a powerful tool that can be used to create.2. scanned images. Figure 11-4. From a shell prompt. computer-generated images. change thumbnail preview sizes. or you can start the GIMP from the desktop by choosing Main Menu => Graphics => The GIMP.82 Chapter 11. The GThumb Preferences Dialog Box To find out more about using and configuring gThumb. This section offers a quick overview of the GIMP and refers you to comprehensive references for learning more about it. and enhance digital image files — photographs.
The GIMP in Action 11.2. as shown in Figure 11-6. Figure 11-6.Chapter 11. Working with Images 83 Figure 11-5. The Load Image Dialog . Loading a File To load an existing file. select File => Open. You will see the Load Image dialog.2.
The GIMP then renders the image with the new effect applied. a Generate Preview button is displayed. Using the Toolbox. right click on the image and choose File => Save (or Save as).gif. right-click on the image and select Filters => Distorts => Newsprint. When you reach a desired quantity and are ready to render the image. click on the OK button to open it. The file you select appears in the Selection field near the bottom of the dialog. .4. erase regions of an image.84 Chapter 11. The easiest way to work with images is to right-click the image. You will see the Save Image dialog if you choose Save as or if you choose Save and the file has not been saved before. or even fill selected regions with the color of your choice. alternatively.3. rotation. you must choose an image format. When you are saving an image. . including . and .2.. the view will change to only those subdirectories and/or files beginning with that letter or letters. 11. For example.. GIMP Options Like many applications. To do this. Once you have selected a file. you can add text to images. then selecting a file to open from the Files list on the right. You can also double-click on a file name to open it. File name completion is supported by the GIMP. the GIMP provides more than one method to accomplish tasks. including image sizing.png. . If you type the first letter (or more) of a file name into the Selection field and press the [Tab] key. The Save Image dialog looks almost exactly like the Load Image dialog and navigation of the file system tree and choosing files works in the same way..bmp. 11. An Image modified with a GIMP Filter The Toolbox also has several easily accessible functions. Saving a File To save an image file.jpg. Figure 11-7 shows an example of an image after the Newsprint filter has been applied: Figure 11-7. Working with Images The Load Image dialog displays your working directory — the directory you were in when the GIMP was launched. which displays a set of menus containing most of the GIMP's many capabilities.2. imagine you have a picture that you would like to modify to make it look as if it were clipped from a newspaper. click OK. The GIMP supports a wide variety of image formats. A thumbnail preview is displayed in the dialog. If you want to see a thumbnail of the image. and filter application. click on the Generate Preview button. Select the quantity of lines per inch using the sliders. You can navigate up and down the file system tree by double-clicking on the Directories list on the left.
from the GIMP toolbar menu. do not worry. You can always undo your mistakes by right-clicking on the image and choosing Edit => Undo..1.sourceforge. Additional Resources While this chapter covers several applications briefly. Working with Images 85 button and click on your image. refer to the documentation in Help => Contents in the gThumb main menu. You can read the manual page by typing man gimp at a shell or terminal prompt. 11. select the loads the Text Tool dialog box. and it takes some time to master all of its functions. the GIMP is a powerful image editing tool. if you wish to add text to a file. Click OK and your text is displayed as a floating section on the image.. . The GIMP manual page contains some of the more advanced command line options and environment variables associated with it.Chapter 11.3. 11. Useful Websites The Web has several sites of interest if you are looking for more detailed information about an application covered in this chapter: • http://gthumb.2.3. You can then move the text to the position you wish using the Move Layers tool.3.net — The official GThumb home page. accessible right from your PC. If you make a mistake. • • For more information about using gThumb. This For example. Refer to the following resources if you are interested in learning more about the applications in this chapter. Figure 11-8 shows our photo with exciting new text: Figure 11-8. 11. there is so much more you can do with them. Try exploring some of the options yourself. Installed Documentation Some applications discussed have online documentation included with the package. Using the Text Tool on an Image As you can see. The GIMP also has a help browser accessible by choosing Help => Help. where you can choose a font and type some text in the provided text box.
org/gimp/ — The GIMP website of tigert (Tuomas Kuosmanen). GIMP Essential Reference by Alex Harford.com/~meo/gimp/faq-user.html — A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list for questions commonly asked about the GIMP by GIMP users (as opposed to developers).gimp. New Riders Publishing GIMP for Linux Bible by Stephanie Cottrell Bryant. Coriolis Group Grokking the GIMP by Carey Bunks. Hammel. New Riders Publishing Sams Teach Yourself GIMP in 24 Hours by Joshua and Ramona Pruitt. http://gimp-savvy. Working with Images • • • • • http://www.org/ — The official GIMP website.org/manual/ — The online GIMP User Manual. Related Books If you need in-depth information about the many capabilities of the GIMP. Kylander. GIMP: The Official Handbook by Karin Kylander and Olof S.rru. 11. http://manual. The entire book is also available on the site for download http://tigert. Inc.gimp. Sams . Hungry Minds. Inc. try your favorite bookstore. by Carey Bunks.gimp.3.com/ — The companion website to the book Grokking the GIMP. Frank Kasper and Associates. Chapter 11.86 http://www. et al.3. The following books were available at the time of this writing: • • • • • • The Artists' Guide to the GIMP by Michael J.
Digital cameras create high-quality images that allow you to send to others over the Internet or print on a color printer. To start gtKam. From the pop-up dialog. view. you need to configure it to work with your digital camera. it will be shown as an icon on the left panel of the main gtKam window. From this panel. Adding a Camera in gtKam Once you have added your camera. Red Hat Linux supports several brands of digital cameras and has applications that help you access. Select the directory that commonly stores your images and the stored images will immediately load as thumbnail images in the main panel. save. choose Main Menu => Graphics => Digital Camera Tool. You can also start gtKam by typing gtkam at a shell prompt. view. 12.. gtKam is a graphical application that allows you to interface with your digital camera. You only have to configure gtKam for your camera once. Directories shown below the icon may differ depending on your brand of camera.1. You can also download the images to your computer and modify it with image manipulation programs such as The GIMP (refer to Chapter 11 Working with Images for more information about image manipulation tools). So. Click Apply to accept the changes and OK to close the dialog box. the settings will be saved with each additional use. you can choose your camera from the drop-down list or let gtKam automatically find your camera by clicking Detect. choose Select => All. Using gtKam Red Hat Linux supports over 100 digital camera models. Figure 12-1. choose Camera => Add Camera. it is likely that Red Hat Linux will support it. click on the images you want. Working with Digital Cameras Digital cameras have recently grown in popularity because of their increasing image quality and easy interaction with desktop PCs. and delete images directly. From the menu.. which you can then save to disk by choosing File => Save Selected Photos. Before you begin using gtKam. gtKam works directly with your digital camera.Chapter 12. allowing you to open. . whether your camera uses USB or serial ports to communicate with your computer. If you want to save all of the stored images.. then save the images to disk. and modify your digital photographs.
Viewing Images with gtKam For more information about using gtKam.88 Chapter 12.sourceforge.net/proj/gtkam/ . refer to the gtKam page at the gPhoto website: http://gphoto. Working with Digital Cameras Figure 12-2.
1. A shell prompt looks similar to other command-line interfaces with which you might be familiar. many Red Hat Linux functions can be completed faster from the shell prompt than from a graphical user interface (GUI). 13. In less time than it might take to open a file manager. and other shell prompt basics.R.Chapter 13. created by S. You can be perfectly productive in the X Window System and only have to open a shell prompt to complete a few tasks. Bourne. Experienced users can write shell scripts to expand their capabilities even further. Operating systems at that time came with command interpreters. A Shell Prompt This section explains how to navigate the file system. other shells have been developed. Since the creation of the Bourne shell. However. Why Use a Shell Prompt Graphical environments for Linux have come a long way in the past few years. manipulate files. which could take commands from the user and interpret them so that computers could use them. Users type commands at a shell prompt.2. they wanted to create a way for people to interact with their new system. . a task can be finished with just a few commands at a shell prompt. Figure 13-1. and then create. such as the C shell (csh) and the Korn shell (ksh). perform simple administration tasks. This lead to the development of the Bourne shell (known as sh). the shell interprets these commands. delete. Shell Prompt Basics 13. and then the shell tells the OS what to do. or modify files from a GUI. locate a directory. something that offered better features than the command interpreters available at that time. The History of the Shell When AT&T software engineers Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson were designing UNIX™. But Ritchie and Thompson wanted something more.
13. you asked your Linux system to display your current location. 13. . it is easy to get lost or forget the name of your current directory. When you typed pwd. You can learn more about bash by reading the bash man page (type man bash at a shell prompt). Changing Directories with cd Changing directories is easy as long as you know where you are (your current directory) and how that relates to where you want to go. Determining Your Current Directory with pwd Once you start looking through directories. Shell Prompt Basics When the Free Software Foundation sought a royalty-free shell. use the cd command. To change directories. You will find that using pwd is very helpful as you learn to navigate your Red Hat Linux system. bash is the default shell for interactive users. The command pwd stands for print working directory. By default. Although your Red Hat Linux system includes several different shells. When the system responds to requests for information. Typing this command by itself will always return you to your home directory. or bash. moving to any other directory requires a pathname.4. which is in the /home directory. the response is called standard output. the Bash prompt in Red Hat Linux shows just your current directory.90 Chapter 13.3. and can be printed to the shell prompt or can be redirected to other programs or to other output devices such as printers. The result was the Bourne Again Shell. not the entire path. The Command pwd Shows You Where You Are To determine the exact location of the current directory at a shell prompt and type the command pwd. developers began to work on the language behind the Bourne shell as well as some of the popular features from other shells available at the time. Your system responded by printing the full path of the current directory in the shell prompt window. You will see something such as: /home/sam This example shows that you are in the user sam's directory. Figure 13-2.
/ /directory1 /directory1/directory2 /directory1/directory2/directory3 If you are currently in directory3 and you want to switch to directory1. . using an absolute path would get you to the /etc/X11 directory more quickly. The command cd . The following directory tree illustrates how cd operates. It tells Linux to start at the top of the directory tree (/) and change to directory1. For example: cd /etc/X11 Absolute paths start from the root directory (/) and move down to the directory you specify. Then go up to that directory's parent (which is the root./etc/X11 After using the full command in the example. you need to move up in the directory tree. wherever that may be. Go up one level to your login directory's parent directory (probably /home) 2. Use the following exercise to test what you have learned so far regarding absolute and relative paths. it is a relative path./. will present you with an error message explaining that there is no such directory. A path is absolute if the first character is a /. Finally. Otherwise.. This is because there is no directory1 below directory3. you should be in the directory X11. use the cd . Absolute paths start at the top of the file system with / (referred to as root) and then look down for the requested directory.. relative paths look down from your current directory.Chapter 13. Executing the command cd directory1 while you are in directory3. which is where you will find configuration files and directories related to the X Window System. From your home directory. Take a look at your last cd command. which requires you to know and type the complete path. command. directory) 3. Shell Prompt Basics 91 You can use absolute or relative pathnames.. tells your system to go up to the directory immediately above the one in which you are currently working.. You told your system to: 1. or /. To move up to directory1. type the relative path: cd . Then go down to the etc directory 4. To go up two directories. type: cd /directory1 This is an example of an absolute path./. go to the X11 directory Conversely. Using relative paths allows you to change to a directory relative to the directory you are currently in. Using absolute paths allows you to change to a directory from the / directory. which can be convenient if you are changing to a subdirectory within your current directory..
Table 13-1. when you state the absolute path to another directory or file. See Section 13.. If you are not sure. which can be your guide for moving up and down directories using relative pathnames. you must be the root user to access this directory takes you to the home directory.makes you become root with root's login shell. su Tip The command su means substitute users and it allows you to log in as another user temporarily. You do not have to worry about your position in the file system././dir3/dir2 this relative path would take you up two directories. . When you type su by itself and press [Enter]. you are denied permission to access that directory.. Typing su . type pwd and your current working directory will be displayed. you become root (also called the superuser) while still inside your login shell (your user's home directory). then to dir3. Type: cd /root If you are not logged in as root. To change to the root login and root directory. Shell Prompt Basics Note Always make sure you know which working directory you are in before you state the relative path to the directory or file you want to get to. though.92 Chapter 13. or superuser. Denying access to the root and other users' accounts (or login directories) is one way your Linux system prevents accidental or malicious tampering. cd Options Now that you are starting to understand how to change directories.. this absolute path would take you straight to subdirfoo. where user login directories are usually stored moves you up one directory takes you to otheruser's login directory. cd ~otheruser cd /dir1/subdirfoo cd . account created at installation. a subdirectory of dir1 cd /home cd . it is as if you had logged in as root originally. see what happens when you change to root's login directory (the superuser account). if otheruser has granted you permission regardless of which directory you are in.14 Ownership and Permissions. Command cd cd ~ cd / cd /root Function returns you to your login directory also returns you to your login directory takes you to the entire system's root directory takes you to the home directory of the root. then to the dir2 directory. use the su command.
When you are done working as root.5. shells. so keep them hidden to help avoid some screen clutter when viewing directories at the shell prompt. you are not usually looking for these configuration files. Some files are hidden files (also called dot files) and can only be seen with an additional option specified to the ls command. you can display the contents of your current directory. but you can view still more information. Viewing all the files using the ls -a command can give you plenty of detail. by itself. at the prompt type man ls | col -b | lpr. Now you will see files that begin with dots. you can read the man page by typing man ls at a shell prompt. and more.Chapter 13. and more. If you want to see the size of a file or directory. Tip To see all the options of the ls command. Figure 13-3. its size. ls with the -a Option Hidden files are mostly configuration files which set preferences in programs. The ls command. When you are searching for something in a directory. it is time to learn how to view the contents of these directories. you will see the changes in your command prompt to show your new. window managers. Using the ls command. and you will return to your user account. type exit at the prompt. does not show all the files in the directory. Type the command ls -a. View Directory Contents with ls Now that you know how to change directories. when it was created and more. 13. superuser status. Shell Prompt Basics 93 As soon as you give the root password. If you want to print the man page. just add the long option (-l) to the ls -a command. Many options are available with the ls command. ownership. The reason they are hidden is to help prevent any accidental tampering by the user. the root account designation at the front of the prompt and "#" at the end. This command shows the file creation date. permissions. by adding more than one option. .
permissions (modes). With locate.6. including • -F • -r • -R • -S 13. to see what is in the /etc/ directory from your home directory. The . Lists details about contents. and * to indicate an executable file. owner. a directory named fingerthumbnails. To learn more about locate. Remember. Lists all the files in the directory. at the top of your list refer to the parent directory and the current directory. type: ls -al /etc Figure 13-4. Shell Prompt Basics You do not have to be in the directory whose contents you want to view to use the ls command. @ to indicate a symbolic link to another file.txt. — size. — reverse.94 Chapter 13. including the hidden files (. Locating Files and Directories There will be times when you know a file or directory exists but you will not know where to find it. you can view the full list by reading the ls man page (man ls). size. Sample ls Output for the /etc Directory The following is a short list of some options commonly used with ls. whether the file is a link to somewhere else on the system and where its link points.filename). you will see every file or directory whose name contains the search criterion. — file type. . Adds a symbol to the end of each listing. The search results could include a file called finger. This option lists the contents of all directories below the current directory recursively.. read the locate man page (type man locate at a shell prompt). a file called pointerfinger. Sorts files by their sizes. creation date. For example. group. Lists the contents of the directory from back to front. type: locate finger The locate command uses a database to locate files and directories that have the word finger in the file or directory name. — recursive. if you want to search for all files with the word finger in the name. • -l — long.txt. and . respectively. These symbols include / to indicate a directory. and so on. For example. • -a — all. Search for a file or directory with the locate command.
txt print job. type man cron at the shell prompt. You can cancel jobs in the queue by typing lprm followed by the print job number displayed when you use the lpq command. Printing From The Command Line Printing is not an involved process whether you click on a button in a GUI or type commands from the command line. After a few minutes. Tip Cron is a daemon that executes tasks at regularly scheduled intervals. to control daily. To read the cron man page. Refer to Chapter 8 Printer Configuration for more information about setting up your printer. performing various tasks (such as updating the locate database) at regularly scheduled intervals.txt file. type lpq at the command line. weekly. cron is a small program that runs in the background. sends that specified file to the print queue.7. it does not assume that the machine is running continuously.txt In this example. For example. the slocate database that is used by the locate command will be current. Unlike cron. The lpr command. To cancel the foo. cancel. with a frequency specified in days. log in as root (type su at a shell prompt and then your root password) and type the command updatedb. it can be used on machines that are not running 24 hours a day.txt prints the foo. 389 is the job number. This section explains how to print. That database is automatically updated on a nightly basis through a cron job. as long as the database is up to date. To view the jobs waiting in the print queue. type lprm 389 and press [Enter]. Shell Prompt Basics 95 The locate command works very quickly. Refer to the man page on anacron (type man anacron at the command line) and the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide for more information. and monthly jobs that are usually controlled by cron. assuming you have a properly configured printer connected to your system. Refer to the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide for more information on cron. Switching between operating systems and shutting down your machine at the end of the day can interfere with the automatic database update run by cron. and view print jobs from the command line. . Hence. which is used to catalog file locations.Chapter 13. The cron task periodically updates the slocate database. Type lpq. and you will see information similar to this: active root 389 foo. 13. Note You can run anacron to have your system execute commands periodically. To update the database manually. lpr foo. followed by a filename.
The command cat will also display the contents of an entire file on the screen (for example. Using Redirection Redirection means causing the shell to change what it considers to be standard input or where the standard output should be going. 13. using cat by itself outputs whatever you input to the screen as if it were repeating the line you just typed.txt | less command. Shell Prompt Basics 13. The following example shows cat repeating every line that is entered: Figure 13-5. short for concatenate. but there is a quicker and easier way to clear the contents displayed in the terminal.96 Chapter 13. To redirect standard output. You can then use the up and down arrow keys to move backward and forward through the pages.9. The utility is called cat. If the file is fairly long. Clearing and Resetting the Terminal After even one ls command in a shell prompt. see Section 13. type reset to return the terminal window to its default values. and even show you information about your system. The cat Command To redirect the output of cat to a file. type the following at a shell prompt (pressing the [Enter] key takes you to the next blank line): . In such cases.8. Manipulating Files with cat Red Hat Linux has a utility which can help you keep short lists. 13. The clear command does just what it implies: it clears the terminal window. use the symbol. Try typing the command clear at the shell prompt.txt).10 Pipes and Pagers. Using the pipe (|) and the less command together displays the file one page at a time. For example. it will quickly scroll past you on the screen. type cat filename. use the cat filename. Placing after the cat command (or after any utility or application that writes to standard output) directs its output to the filename following the symbol. You can always exit from the terminal window and open a new one. which means to combine files. To prevent this. gather lists together. Sometimes. For more on using pipes to combine two separate functions.9. you may accidentally open a program file or some other non-text file in a terminal window. you could find that the text you are typing does not match the output on the monitor.1. the terminal window you are working in can begin to look crowded. Once you close the file.
That redirection was to a brand new file you made called sneakers. You can find the file in the directory you were in when you started cat (type ls if you want to see it listed). Shell Prompt Basics 97 Figure 13-6. Type the following: cat sneakers. use the [Ctrl]-[D] key combination again to quit cat.txt saturday. That is because the standard output from cat was redirected. Do you notice anything different in Figure 13-6? There are no repeated entries.txt cat sneakers. Next. Use output redirection again for another file and call it home. use cat to join home. followed by: bring the coffee home take off shoes put on sneakers make some coffee relax! Now. on an empty line.txt Caution Be careful when you redirect the output to a file.txt.txt home. As you learned earlier. then [Enter]. you can then use cat to read the file. because you can easily overwrite an existing file! Make sure the name of the file you are creating does not match the name of a pre-existing file.txt and redirect the output of both files to a brand new file called saturday.txt . unless you want to replace it. type: cat sneakers. Redirecting Output to a File Press [Enter] to go to an empty line and use the [Ctrl]-[D] keys to quit cat. At the prompt.txt.Chapter 13. For this example.txt (you will find an example in Figure 13-7).txt with sneakers. type the command cat > home.txt.
txt sneakers.txt to the file sneakers. Similar to when you used the symbol. when you use of a file entirely.txt now.txt.txt at the end of the file: Now check the file using the command cat sneakers. Shell Prompt Basics Figure 13-7.txt to the information already in sneakers. Joining Files and Redirecting Output You can see that cat has added home.98 Chapter 13. you save yourself time (and a bit of disk clutter) by using existing files. By appending the output. Appending Standard Output You can use output redirection to add new information to the end of an existing file. cat home.txt However. you are adding information to a file. you tell your shell to send the information somewhere other than standard output. To make your comparison. You want to add the information in home. . Take two files which have already been created (sneakers.txt and saturday. rather than creating a new file. type: cat sneakers. rather than replacing the contents . The best explanation is a demonstration.9.txt. cat saturday. Compare the results of the files sneakers.txt The contents of both files will be displayed — first sneakers. then saturday.txt ended. 13.txt) and join them by using the append output symbol.txt (as shown in Figure 13-8).txt. and you will see that they are identical.txt.txt.txt and home.2.txt where sneakers. so type: home. The final output shows the contents of buy some sneakers then go to the coffee shop then buy some coffee bring the coffee home take off shoes put on sneakers make some coffee relax! The command you typed appended the output from the file home.
Stringing Commands and Comparing Files 13.9. Because you used the less-than symbol ( ) to separate the cat command from the file. the output of Figure 13-9.Chapter 13. Use a file you have already created to demonstrate this idea.txt was read by cat. Redirecting Standard Input Not only can you redirect standard output. Redirecting Standard Input cat sneakers. Type: sneakers. Shell Prompt Basics 99 Figure 13-8. .txt When you use the redirect standard input symbol read as input for a command. you are telling the shell that you want a file to be . you can perform the same type of redirection with standard input.3.
For example: /Linux Tip To read startup messages more closely. Use the vertical bar (|) to pipe the commands. to search for output.txt file that mentions the word "coffee" (read more about grep in Section 13. Alternatively. To move forward a screen. at a shell prompt. There are plenty of options available with ls. press [Q]. Pipes can also be used to print only certain lines from a file. 13. press [Space]. but what if the contents of a directory scroll by too quickly for you to view them? View the contents of the /etc/ directory with the command: ls -al /etc How do you get a closer look at the output before it moves off the screen? One way is to pipe the output to a utility called less. Consider the ls command that was discussed earlier. Shell Prompt Basics 13. You will be able to read the file one screen at a time.1. a pager utility that allows you to view information one page (or screen) at a time. press [/] and then type the keyword you want to search for within the file. you can use the arrow keys to navigate with less. type dmesg | less. Pipes and Pagers In Linux. Use the arrow keys to navigate the file. ls -al /etc | more . to move back a screen.3 The grep Command).11.10.100 Chapter 13. pipes connect the standard output of one command to the standard input of another command.10. The more Command The main difference between more and less is that less allows backward and forward movement using the arrow keys. List the contents of the /etc directory using ls and more. press [/] and type the search term. To search the output of a text file using less. press [B]. Type: grep coffee sneakers. to quit. while more uses the [Spacebar] and the [B] key for forward and backward navigation. ls -al /etc | less Now you can view the contents of /etc one screen at a time.txt | lpr This command prints every line in the sneakers.
13. you can only read the first ten lines of a file. You can change the number of lines displayed by specifying a number option as shown in the following command: 13. but because it is limited to the first several lines. to actively watch /var/log/messages. By default.11. For example. The command is: head can be a useful command.11. press [/] and then type the keyword you want to search for within the file. Shell Prompt Basics 101 Figure 13-10.2.1. you can view the last ten lines of a file. More Commands for Reading Text Files You have already been introduced to several basic shell prompt commands for reading files in text editors. tail automatically print new messages from an open file to the screen in real-time. You can also use tail to watch log files as they are updated. you will not see how long the file actually is. The head Command You can use the head command to look at the beginning of a file.11. Using the -f option. 13.Chapter 13. For example: /foo Use the [Spacebar] to move forward through the pages. Here are a few more. type the following at a shell prompt as the root user: tail -f /var/log/messages head -20 head filename filename . Piping Output of ls to more To search the output of a text file using more. The tail Command The reverse of head is tail. Using tail. This can be useful for viewing the last 10 lines of a log file for important system messages. Press [q] to exit.
Shell Prompt Basics 13. be aware that it is quite long." so type: ls sneak*. which allows for a case-insensitive search through a file.102 Chapter 13. you would type: grep coffee sneakers.11. take a look at the bash man page (man bash).txt | lpr 13. numbers.txt. To print the information about references to "coffee" in sneakers.txt. For example. Among grep's options is -i.txt and there is the name of the file: sneakers.3. The grep Command The grep command is useful for finding specific character strings in a file. 13.11.txt ! .txt You would see every line in that file where the word "coffee" is found. Tip To read more about wildcards and regular expressions. for example. Tip Unless otherwise specified. you can open and read the file with less or vi (vi bash. Remember that you can save the file to a text file by typing man bash | col -b bash. Read the grep man page for more about this command.txt. and symbols that make finding particular directories and files easier than examining long directory listings to find what you are searching for.4. Wildcards and Regular Expressions What if you forget the name of the file you are looking for? Using wildcards or regular expressions. Wildcards are special symbols that you can substitute for letters. Just fill out what you know.txt). use grep to search for particular contents of a file. for example. Then. then have those results either saved as a file or sent to a printer.11. you can perform actions on a file or files without knowing the complete filename. I/O Redirection and Pipes You can use pipes and output redirection when you want to store and/or print information to read at a later time. You can. We know the file is called "sneak____. That means that searching for Coffee is different than searching for coffee.txt. If you want to print the file. just type: grep coffee sneakers. then substitute the remainder with a wildcard. if you want to find every reference made to "coffee" in the file sneakers.5. grep searches are case sensitive.
txt or begin with sn. and/or sneakerz. When an asterisk. because there is no sneakrs. of course.1 Using Redirection. at the shell prompt. Regular expressions are more complex than the straightforward asterisk or question mark. you can find plenty of your previously typed commands.txt (created in Section 13. Like the asterisk. One way to narrow a search is to use the question mark symbol (?). sneakers.txt file. If the file is called sneak*. for example. Shell Prompt Basics 103 You will probably use the asterisk (*) most frequently when you are searching. .Chapter 13. Use the up-arrow key to bring back the command. Try it by taking a look again at sneakers.txt. We now see the contents of sneakers." Insert the letter and press [Enter] again.txt.txt and any other files whose name ends with . you would get sneakers. So even by typing: ls *. The first time. No problem. Command History and Tab Completion It does not take long before the thought of typing the same command over and over becomes unappealing. ? is useful for matching a single character. though.txt. One minor typing error can ruin lines of a series of commands.12. so if you were searching for sneaker?. then use the left-arrow key to get to the point where we missed the "e.txt.txt Here is a brief list of wildcards and regular expressions: • * • ? — Matches all characters — Matches one character in a string — Matches the * character — Matches the ? character — Matches the ) character • \* • \? • \) 13. type: cat sneakrs. By scrolling with the [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow] keys. In this case.txt. as might be the case if the file Using the backslash (\). that is when regular expressions can be useful. It helps to narrow your search as much as possible. type: sneak\*.txt was called sneak*.9.txt Nothing happens. The asterisk will search out everything that matches the pattern you are looking for. using ? can help locate a file matching a search pattern. One solution is to use the command line history. however. but you are instead looking for a file with an asterisk in the name.txt as a result. if there were such a filename.txt or: ls sn* You would find sneakers. you can specify that you do not want to search out everything by using the asterisk. just happens to be part of a filename.
mv foobar-1.3-2. Tip To find a command in your history file without having to keep hitting the arrow keys or page through the history file. press [b]. from your home directory type: more . The command line history is actually kept in a file. less. We can read it in a number of ways: by using vi. you can su to root.3 The grep Command . press the [Tab] key twice and you will see a list of possible completions.13.rpm rpms/ Running the combination of commands creates the directory and moves the file in one line. Be aware that the file can be long. to quit. HISTFILESIZE=500 shows the number of commands that bash will store. bash will present you with either the remaining portion of the file/path. then at the shell prompt. and you want to put it in a new subdirectory within your home directory called rpms/. use grep. or a beep (if sound is enabled on your system). if you forget the command updatedb.3-2. . Shell Prompt Basics By default. type: history | grep sneak Another time-saving tool is known as command completion. By typing the partial command upd and pressing [Tab] again. If you get a beep. including updatedb and uptime. more. To read it with the more command.11. but remember a portion of the command.bash_history To move forward a screen. At the shell prompt. The only requirement is that you separate the commands with a semicolon. and others. press [Space]. press [q]. up to 500 commands can be stored in the bash command line history file. You can combine both the creation of the rpms/ directory and the moving of your downloaded file into the directory by typing the following at a shell prompt: mkdir rpms/.rpm.bash_history in your login directory.104 Chapter 13. You have used the command. type up. just press [Tab] again to obtain a list of the files/paths that match what has been typed so far. but the subdirectory has not been created.i386. we can see the environment variable that controls the size of the command line history. called . or pathname and then press the [Tab] key.i386. a powerful search utility (see Section 13. your command is completed for you. and you think it might be in your history file. Using Multiple Commands Linux allows you to enter multiple commands at one time. If you type part of a file. For example. cat. Tip By typing the env command at a shell prompt. The line which reads. command. Here is how you can quickly find a previously used command: say you are searching for a command that is similar to cat sneak-something. Suppose you have downloaded a new file called foobar-1. 13. to move back a screen.
The remaining nine slots are actually three sets of permissions for three different categories of users. Since users are placed into a group when their accounts are created. The first column shows current permissions. The first slot represents the type of file. write to.Chapter 13. you can also specify whether certain groups can read. One way to gain entry when you are denied permission is to su to root. For example: -rw-rw-r-- .14.txt with the ls command using the -l option (see Figure 13-11).txt Other information to the right of the group includes file size. Take a closer look at sneakers. and executing are the three main settings in permissions. But switching to the superuser is not always convenient or recommended. Figure 13-11. like UNIX. it has ten slots. and file permissions are one way the system protects against malicious tampering. the name of your group is the same as your login name. is a multi-user system. There is a lot of detail provided here. as you learned earlier. Remember that. Shell Prompt Basics 105 13. You created the file belongs to you. This is because whoever knows the root password has complete access. you received the following message: cd /root bash: /root: Permission denied That was one demonstration of Linux's security features. date and time of file creation. by default. since it is easy to make mistakes and alter important configuration files as the superuser. Permissions for sneakers. sneakers. so sneakers. and to which group the owner belongs (sam). or execute a file.1 Using Redirection) in your login directory. That means you can specify who is allowed to read the file. as well as who created the file (sam). and file name.9. Linux. or (if it is an application instead of a text file) who can execute the file. write to the file. You can see who can read (r) and write to (w) the file.txt (see Section 13. Reading. when you tried to change to root's login directory. Ownership and Permissions Earlier in this chapter.txt All files and directories are "owned" by the person who created them. writing.
106 Chapter 13. group.1. the owner and group can read and write to the file. It is not a program. and execute files. with its initial permissions settings: -rw-rw-r-1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. That means you will have to change the "others" section of the file permissions. you want to allow everyone to write to the file.txt. you will see one of the following: • r • w • x — file can be read — file can be written to — file can be executed (if it is a program) When you see a dash in owner. has permission to read and write to sneakers.txt If you are the owner of the file or are logged into the root account you can change any permissions for the owner. you should only grant read and write permissions to those who truly need them.txt -rw-rw-r-1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. which specifies the file type.14. The group. in each of the following three sets. The original file looks like this. As a rule. (rw-) | | type owner (rw-) | group (r--) 1 sam sam | others The first item. Anyone outside of the group can only read the file (r--). ls -l sneakers. and "others. Look again at the first column of sneakers. so they can read it. sam. 13. altered. This example shows how to change the permissions on sneakers. and save it. or deleted. sam) has permission to read and write to the file. Whenever you allow anyone else to read. or others. Right now. as well.txt The file's owner (in this case. Shell Prompt Basics Those three sets are the owner of the file. write notes in it. it means that particular permission has not been granted. The chmod Command Use the chmod command to change permissions. group." meaning other users on the system. .txt with the chmod command. write to. and others. Caution Remember that file permissions are a security feature. so neither the owner or the group has permission to execute it. In the following example.txt and identify its permissions. the group in which the file belongs. you are increasing the risk of files being tampered with. can show one of the following: • d — a directory — a regular file (rather than directory or link) — a symbolic link to another program or file elsewhere on the system • -(dash) • l Beyond the first item.
To check the results. the file looks like this: -rw-rw-rw1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. Shell Prompt Basics Take a look at the file first. .txt 107 The previous command displays this file information: -rw-rw-r-1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. The result will look like this: -rw------1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. list the file's details again. type the following: chmod o+w sneakers. g.txt. because all you really have to do is remember a few symbols and letters with the chmod command.txt. the owner) g — the group to which the user belongs o — others (not the owner or the owner's group) a — everyone or all (u. type: ls -l sneakers. you are telling the system to remove read and write permissions for the group and for others from the file sneakers.txt use the chmod command to take away both the read and write permissions. and o) Permissions r — read access w — write access x — execute access Actions + — adds the permission .— removes the permission = — makes it the only permission Want to test your permissions skills? Remove all permissions from sneakers.Chapter 13. chmod go-rw sneakers. Now. everyone can read and write to the file. At the shell prompt. Here is a list of what the shorthand represents: Identities u — the user who owns the file (that is.txt By typing go-rw.txt The o+w command tells the system you want to give others write permission to the file sneakers. To remove read and write permissions from sneakers.txt Now.txt Now.txt — for everyone.txt Think of these settings as a kind of shorthand when you want to change permissions with chmod.
successfully locked the file. Now. Here are some common examples of settings that can be used with chmod: • g+w — adds write access for the group — removes all permissions for others — allows the file owner to execute the file — allows everyone to read and write to the file — allows the owner and group to read the file — allows only the group to read and execute (not write) • o-rwx • u+x • a+rw • ug+r • g=rx By adding the -R option. No one will be able to get into the directory unless they know the exact file name. can read the file again. If you do not allow others to have execute permission to tigger.txt to verify that you.txt: Permission denied Removing all permissions. see if you can read the file with the command cat sneakers. you are really allowing (or denying) permission to search through that directory. But since the file belongs to you. For example. including your own. Here is what happens now when you try to cd to into tigger: bash: tigger: Permission denied Next.txt. Shell Prompt Basics chmod a-rwx sneakers. Changing Permissions With Numbers Remember the reference to the shorthand method of chmod? Here is another way to change permissions. which should return the following: cat: sneakers.2. restore your own and your group's access: chmod ug+x tigger tigger directory. you can always change its permissions back with the following command: chmod u+rw sneakers. the file owner. type: chmod a-x tigger to remove everyone's execute permissions.txt Now. Because you can not really "execute" a directory as you would an application. you can change permissions for entire directory trees.txt: -rw-rw-r-1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. it will not matter who has read or write access.txt . Go back to the original permissions for sneakers. although it may seem a little complex at first.108 Chapter 13.14. when you add or remove execute permission for a directory.txt Use the command cat sneakers. if you check your work with ls -l you will see that only others will be denied access to the 13.
the total is used to set specific permissions. For example. and execute permissions. then.txt so those in your group will not have write access.txt. chmod 664 sneakers. neither the group nor others have write permission to sneakers. add the value of w (2) to the second set of permissions. remove the access by subtracting two (2) from that set of numbers. These permissions could allow tampering with sensitive files. and four (644). For sneakers.txt Now.txt Now verify the changes by listing the file.txt The output should be: -rw-r--r-1 sam sam 150 Mar 19 08:08 sneakers. the total for the group is six. Here is a list of some common settings. write. and the total for others is four. Setting permissions to 777 allows everyone read.txt Warning Setting permissions to 666 will allow everyone to read and write to a file or directory. read only. you would have a value of 6. if you want read and write permissions. would become six.txt. To implement these new settings. • -rwx------ . write. The numerical values. (644) — Only the owner has read and write permissions. so in general. To return the group's write access for the file. Shell Prompt Basics Each permission setting can be represented by a numerical value: • • • • 109 r=4 w=2 x=1 -=0 When these values are added together. but can still read the file.Chapter 13. here are the numerical permissions settings: (rw-) | 4+2+0 (rw-) | 4+2+0 (r--) | 4+0+0 The total for the user is six. the group and others have (700) — Only the owner has read. Type: ls -l sneakers. The permissions setting is read as 664. four. type: chmod 644 sneakers. If you want to change sneakers. numerical values and their meanings: • -rw------• -rw-r--r-- (600) — Only the owner has read and write permissions. and execute permission. 4 (read) + 2 (write) = 6. it is not a good idea to use these settings.
(755) — Everyone can read the directory. (711) — The owner has read. and execute. this permissions setting can be hazardous. write. . Shell Prompt Basics • -rwxr-xr-x • -rwx--x--x (755) — The owner has read.110 Chapter 13.(666) • -rwxrwxrwx Here are some common settings for directories: • drwx-----• drwxr-xr-x (700) — Only the user can read. the group and others have only read and execute. (Again. and execute permissions. write. (Be careful with these permissions. write in this directory. users and groups have read and execute permissions. — Everyone can read and write to the file. write.) (777) — Everyone can read. the group and others have only execute. and execute permissions.) • -rw-rw-rw.
Managing Files and Directories Your desktop file manager is a powerful and important tool for managing files and directories using the graphical desktop. every file is stored in a directory. you probably do not have permission to write to the files and directories outside of your home directory. you will not be able to gain access to all system-level files and directories. these subdirectories can also contain files and other subdirectories. or be the "parent" of. There would not be a tree without a root. reading documentation. • /home — Default location for users' home directories. delete. For example. 14. Tip Red Hat Linux uses the term root in several different ways. These directories may contain.version-number . a user with the username foo has the home directory /home/foo. Directories can also contain directories. No matter how far away the directories branch. and the same is true for the Linux file system. For example. There is the root account (the superuser. documentation • /usr/share/doc — Location of documentation for installed packages. This chapter discusses various shell prompt commands that can be used to manage files and directories on your Red Hat Linux system. and other changes. In Linux. which is represented as a single forward slash (/). A Larger Picture of the File System Every operating system has a method of storing data in files and directories so that it can keep track of additions.Chapter 14. the root account's home directory (/root) and the root directory for the entire file system (/). modifications. for the redhat-config-date software package is located in /usr/share/doc/redhat-config-date. Unless you are a system administrator or have root (superuser) access. For example. Certain directories are reserved for specific purposes. or storing temporary files. everything is connected to the root directory. be sure to know which root is being discussed. or execute a file. Note Due to system security. When you are speaking to someone and using the term root. unless you are root. You might think of the file system as a tree-like structure and directories as branches. which might be confusing to new users. you will receive an error message saying your access is denied. If you do not have the permission to open. the # " .1. who has permission to do anything). /home is the default location for users' home directories. directories within it (called subdirectories) which hold files and may contain subdirectories of their own. This is normal behavior and is used to prevent non-privileged users from modifying or deleting important system files. This chapter also discusses compression tools to create archives of your files for backup or to conveniently send to others. Users that do not have superuser access might find the following directories useful for finding their home directories.
Identifying and Working with File Types If you are new to Linux. Here is a brief listing of file extensions and their meanings: 14.2. The FHS guidelines help to standardize the way system programs and files are stored on all Linux systems.htm • .gz — a file compressed with bzip2 — a file archived with tar (short for tape archive).gif • .1. you may see certain file types that you do not recognize because of their unfamiliar extension. For information on working with bzip2. PDF stands for Portable Document Format — a PNG image file (short for Portable Network Graphic) — a plain ASCII text file — an audio file — an image file • . Files stored here are not permanent. refer to Section 14.2.xpm . commonly found in MS-DOS applications. Compressed and Archived Files • .zip — a file compressed with ZIP compression.jpg • . File Formats • .com/fhs. gzip.2. so finding a . You can also visit the FHS website at http://www.txt. and tar files.pdf • .tbz • .2.112 Chapter 14. Most compressed files for Linux use the gzip compression. To learn more about the FHS. Do not write any files or directories that you want to keep here.zip archive for Linux files is rare. 14. "txt" is that file's extension). also known as a tar file — a tarred and bzipped file — a tarred and gzipped file. A file's extension is the last part of a file's name after the final dot (in the file sneakers.ps — a PostScript file. refer to the Red Hat Linux Reference Guide. Your Red Hat Linux system is compatible with many other Linux distributions because of the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS).3 File Compression and Archiving. formatted for printing • .png • . 14.txt • .au — an audio file — a GIF image file — an HTML file — a JPEG image file — an electronic image of a document.tar • .tgz • .bz2 • . — a file compressed with gzip • .html/. Managing Files and Directories • /tmp — The reserved directory for all users to store temporary files.wav • .pathname. A system process removes old files from this directory on a periodic basis.
Chapter 14.h • . The archive file is not compressed — it uses the same amount of disk space as all the individual files and directories combined.cpp • .sh • . For more information on helpful commands for reading files. File Compression and Archiving Sometimes it is useful to store a group of files in one file so that they can be backed up. or by using a text editor such as gedit or vi. read the man page by typing man file. or the file does not seem to be what the extension says it is supposed to be? That is when the file command can be helpful. A .py • . Configuration files sometimes use the . It is important to understand the distinction between an archive file and a compressed file. or less commands. Any file that is designated as a text file should be readable by using the cat. Programming and Scripting Files • . the command file saturday will display ASCII text.tcl But file extensions are not always used. It is also sometimes useful to compress files into one file so that they use less disk space and download faster via the Internet. — a lock file. you can tell what type of file it is by typing: file saturday In the example.lock • . So what happens when a file does not have an extension. more. System Files • . An archive file is a collection of files and directories that are stored in one file.3. 14.conf • .3.so • .4.rpm — a configuration file.2. you find a file called saturday without an extension. see Chapter 13 Shell Prompt Basics. or used consistently. For example.o • .2. or even transferred to a different computer. telling you it is a text file. Using the file command. determines whether a program or device is in use — a Red Hat Package Manager file used to install software 14.pl • .c — a C program language source code file — a C++ program language source code file — a C or C++ program language header file — a program object file — a Perl script — a Python script — a library file — a shell script — a TCL script • . Managing Files and Directories 113 14. Tip To learn more about file. as well. easily transferred to another directory.cfg extension.
highlight the file and click OK. Managing Files and Directories compressed file is a collection of files and directories that are stored in one file and stored in a way that uses less disk space than all the individual files and directories combined.3. Figure 14-1. Figure 14-1 shows File Roller in action. To start File Roller click Main Menu => Accessories => File Roller.114 Chapter 14. The file will appear in the main File Roller browser window as a folder.1. but a compressed file can be an archive file.1. File . File Roller supports common UNIX and Linux file compression and archiving formats and has a simple interface and extensive help documentation if you need it. The File Roller browser window will appear with the decompressed/unarchived file in a folder for you to extract or browse.tar. and archive files and directories. It is also integrated into the desktop environment and graphical file manager to make working with archived files easier. Note An archive file is not compressed. allowing you to choose the archive you wish to work with. 14. You can even create an archive file and then compress it to save disk space. Using File Roller Red Hat Linux includes a graphical utility called File Roller that can compress.3. Tip If you are using a file manager (such as Nautilus). If you do not have enough disk space on your computer.1. if you have a file called foo. you can compress files that you do not use very often or files that you want to save but do not use anymore. Decompressing and Unarchiving with File Roller To unarchive and/or decompress a file click the Open toolbar button. A file menu will pop up.gz located in your home directory. You can also start File Roller from a shell prompt by typing file-roller. you can double-click the file you wish to unarchive or decompress to start File Roller. For example. which you can navigate by double-clicking the folder icon. decompress. File Roller in Action 14.
uncompressed files. Creating Archives with File Roller If you need to free some hard drive space. For example. you may choose a Tar Compressed wity gzip (tar. A file browser will pop up. allowing you to specify an archive name and the compression technique. bzip2. which is convenient if you are looking for a particular file in the archive. or zip. The bzip2 compression tool is recommended because it provides the most compression and is found on most UNIX-like operating systems. choosing the directory you would like to save the unarchived files. click Add. or send multiple files or a directory of files to another user.Chapter 14. click New on the toolbar. File Roller allows you to create archives of your files and directories.1. Managing Files and Directories 115 Roller preserves all directory and subdirectory structures.2.2. Compressing Files at the Shell Prompt Compressed files use less disk space and download faster than large. If you need to transfer files between Linux and other operating system such . 14. Click OK when you are finished.3.gz) format from the drop-down menu and type the name of the archive file you want to create. which will pop up a browser window (Figure 14-2) that you can navigate to find the file or directory you want to be in the archive. The gzip compression tool can also be found on most UNIXlike operating systems. Figure 14-2. To add files to your new archive. Creating an Archive with File Roller Tip There is much more you can do with File Roller than is explained here. Refer to the File Roller manual (available by clicking Help => Manual) for more information. You can extract individual files or entire archives by clicking the Extract button. and click Close to close the archive. Click OK and your new archive is now ready to be filled with files and directories. and clicking OK. In Red Hat Linux you can compress files with the compression tools gzip. To create a new archive. 14.3.
2.3. and files compressed with zip are given the extension . file2. and files compressed with zip are uncompressed with unzip. type the following command at a shell prompt: bzip2 filename The file will be compressed and saved as filename. type the following command: bunzip2 filename. type man bzip2 and man bunzip2 at a shell prompt to read the man pages for bzip2 and bunzip2.2. Managing Files and Directories as MS Windows. files compressed with bzip2 are uncompressed with bunzip2.bz2 The filename. Compression Tools By convention. You can use bzip2 to compress multiple files and directories at the same time by listing them with a space between each one: bzip2 filename.116 Chapter 14. 14. 14. type the following command at a shell prompt: gzip filename The file will be compressed and saved as filename. Bzip2 and Bunzip2 To use bzip2 to compress a file. Files compressed with gzip are uncompressed with gunzip.gz . file3.3.bz2 .gz.bz2 file1 file2 file3 /usr/work/school The above command compresses file1. files compressed with bzip2 are given the extension . Compression Tool gzip bzip2 zip File Extension . Gzip and Gunzip To use gzip to compress a file.gz. Tip For more information. you should use zip because it is more compatible with the compression utilities on Windows.zip Uncompression Tool gunzip bunzip2 unzip Table 14-1.bz2.bz2. .zip. files compressed with gzip are given the extension . To expand the compressed file. and the contents of the /usr/work/school directory (assuming this directory exists) and places them in a file named filename.1.2.bz2.bz2 is deleted and replaced with filename.
gz is deleted and replaced with filename.gz 117 The filename. file3. 14. type man zip and man unzip at a shell prompt to read the man pages for zip and unzip. file3.zip represents the file you are creating and filesdir represents the directory you want to put in the new zip file. type man gzip and man gunzip at a shell prompt to read the man pages for gzip and gunzip. type the following command: zip -r filename.3.gz file1 file2 file3 /usr/work/school The above command compresses file1.zip You can use zip to compress multiple files and directories at the same time by listing them with a space between each one: zip -r filename. type the following command: unzip filename. Zip and Unzip To compress a file with zip. You can use gzip to compress multiple files and directories at the same time by listing them with a space between each one: gzip -r filename. file2. type the following command: gunzip filename. Tip For more information. Tip For more information. Managing Files and Directories To expand the compressed file.2.zip file1 file2 file3 /usr/work/school The above command compresses file1.3. filename. file2. The -r option specifies that you want to include all files contained in the filesdir directory recursively. To extract the contents of a zip file.gz. and the contents of the /usr/work/school directory (assuming this directory exists) and places them in a file named filename. and the contents of the /usr/work/school directory (assuming this directory exists) and places them in a file named filename.zip.Chapter 14.zip filesdir In this example. .
tar.118 Chapter 14. type: tar -xvf filename. — when used with the -c option. — compress the tar file with bzip2.tbz. You can tar multiple files and directories at the same time by listing them with a space between each one: tar -cvf filename. the filename.tbz file with the bunzip2 command.3. To create a tarred and bzipped compressed file. however. The above command creates an archive file and then compresses it as the file filename.tar /home/mine/work /home/mine/school The above command places all the files in the work and the school subdirectories of /home/mine in a new file called filename. If you uncompress the filename. You can also expand and unarchive a bzip tar file in one command: . type: tar -cvf filename. use the -j option: tar -cjvf filename. • -t • -v • -x • -z • -j To create a tar file. This is a good way to create backups and archives. To list the contents of a tar file. when used with the -x option. sometimes users archive their files using the tar.txt inside of it.tbz file tar files compressed with bzip2 are conventionally given the extension . Remember.tbz. Managing Files and Directories 14. then extracting the archive file will result in the creation of the directory foo/ in your current working directory with the file bar. filename.3. — extract files from an archive.tar To extract the contents of a tar file.tar This command does not remove the tar file. use the filename specified for the creation of the tar file. — show the progress of the files being archived. type: tar -tvf filename. Some of the options used with the tar are: • -c • -f — create a new archive. For example. unarchive the specified file.bz2 extension. if the tarfile contains a file called bar.tar directory/file In this example.tbz file is removed and replaced with filename. — show the list of files in the tar file.txt within a directory called foo/. Archiving Files at the Shell Prompt A tar file is a collection of several files and/or directories in one file.tar represents the file you are creating and directory/file represents the directory and file you want to put in the archived file.tar in the current directory. — compress the tar file with gzip. the tar command does not compress the files by default. preserving any directory structure that the archive file used. but it places copies of its unarchived contents in the current working directory.
as explained in Section 13. To copy a file. This command creates the archive file filename.5 Wildcards and Regular Expressions.tar and then compresses it as the file filename. the filename. Replace filename with the name of your choice.1. For example.tbz To create a tarred and gzipped compressed file.4. which is often faster. type the following command. Creating Files You can create new files either with applications (such as text editors) or by using the command touch.tgz file with the gunzip command. 14.tgz.tgz Tip Type the command man tar for more information about the tar command. typing the command ls -l newfile at the shell prompt returns the following output: -rw-rw-r-1 sam 14. If you run a directory listing. This section explains how to manipulate files at the shell prompt.tgz. ) ( 0) ( cp source destination ' % & $ touch filename sam 0 Apr 10 17:09 newfile . Copying Files Like so many other Linux features.) If you uncompress the filename. to make the process of copying.Chapter 14. or deleting multiple files and directories faster.2. You can also use wildcards.11.tgz file is removed and replaced with filename. To create a file with touch. type the following at a shell prompt.tar is not saved. 14. (The file filename.tar.4. Managing Files and Directories 119 tar -xjvf filename. They can also be manipulated using a shell prompt. such as Nautilus or Konqueror.tgz file tar files compressed with gzip are conventionally given the extension . You can expand a gzip tar file in one command: tar -xzvf filename. you can see that the file contains zero (0) bytes of information because it is an empty file. which will create an empty file that you can use to add text or data. use the -z option: tar -czvf filename. there is a variety of ways to manipulate files and directories.4. Manipulating Files at the Shell Prompt Files can be manipulated using one of the graphical file managers. moving.
Tip To learn more about relative and absolute pathnames. This is a handy option because it can help prevent you from making mistakes. For more about mv. This will prompt you if the file you have selected will overwrite an existing file in the destination directory. press [N] and [Enter]. use the mv command. this option is dangerous. Shows the progress of the files as they are being moved. — verbose. — verbose. to copy the file sneakers. Moving Files To move files. use cp -i to copy the file again to the same location. refer to Section 13.txt tigger 2 1 Replace source with the name of the file you want to copy. move to your home directory and type: cp sneakers.3. Unless you know what you are doing.120 Chapter 14. 2 1 . This is a good option. because like the -i option for cp. — recursive. this will copy the whole directory tree. Among the options you can use with cp are the following: • -i • -r — interactive. Shows the progress of the files as they are being copied. be very careful about using it until you become more comfortable with your system. Our home directory is the parent of the directory tigger. Prompts you to confirm if the file is going to overwrite a file in your destination. you will be given the chance to make sure you want to replace an existing file. • -f — force.4. press [Y] and then [Enter]. • -v Now that you have the file sneakers. • -v If you want to move a file out of your home directory and into another existing directory. Overrides the interactive mode and moves without prompting. Common options for mv include the following: • -i — interactive. type the following (you will need to be in your home directory): mv sneakers. Rather than just copying all the specified files and directories. tigger is one directory down from our home directory. cp -i sneakers. see the mv man page (type man mv). Read the cp man page (type man cp at the shell prompt) for a full list of the options available with cp.4 Changing Directories with cd .txt tigger cp: overwrite 'tigger/sneakers. and name of the directory where you want the file to go. 14. subdirectories and all.txt in the tigger directory. If you do not want to overwrite the file. Managing Files and Directories destination with the So.txt tigger/ You can use both relative and absolute pathnames with cp.txt to the directory tigger/ in your home directory.txt'? To overwrite the file that is already there.
4.txt rm: remove 'piglet. it is gone permanently and cannot be retrieved. Deleting Files and Directories You learned about creating files with the touch command. Options for removing files and directories include: • -i • -f — interactive. Will delete a directory and all files and subdirectories it contains. unless you know exactly what you are doing. rm -i piglet. Use the -i (interactive) option to give you a second chance to think about whether or not you really want to delete the file. See the rm man page for more information. if you want to recursively remove the directory tigger you would type: . type: rm piglet.txt You can use rmdir to remove a directory (rmdir foo. This option can stop you from deleting a file by mistake. You can also remove multiple files using the rm command. you must specify the -r option. For example.Chapter 14. Overrides interactive mode and removes the file(s) without prompting. To remove a file using a wildcard.txt'? You can also delete files using the wildcard *. — recursive. — force.txt sneakers. because you can easily delete files you did not intend to throw away. — verbose. the same command using absolute pathnames looks like mv sneakers.4.txt /home/newuser/sneakers. you would type: rm pig* The above command will remove all files in the directory which start with the letters pig. Managing Files and Directories Alternatively.txt with the rm command. For example: rm piglet. but only if the directory is empty. This might not be a good idea. for example).txt Warning Once a file or directory is removed with the rm command. Now you need to learn how to delete files and directories. but be careful. Prompts you to confirm the deletion.txt /home/newuser/tigger 121 14. Shows the progress of the files as they are being removed. To remove directories with rm. and you created the directory tigger using mkdir. Deleting files and directories with the rm command is a straightforward process. • -v • -r To delete the file piglet.
such as forcing a recursive deletion. you are in trouble. this command will recursively remove everything on your system. you will not be allowed to use recursive deletions. Managing Files and Directories rm -r tigger If you want to combine options. . With this command.122 Chapter 14. you can type: rm -rf tigger A safer alternative to using rm for removing directories is the rmdir command. Read the rmdir man page (man rmdir) to find out more about this command. so a directory which has files in it will not be deleted. Warning The rm command can delete your entire file system! If you are logged in as root and you type the simple command rm -rf /.
RHN does it all. and Enhancement Alerts are issued for all the systems in your network through the Basic interface . Users do not have to search the Web for updated packages or security alerts. Installing and Updating Red Hat Linux Packages Red Hat Linux consists of various software applications and utilities. By default. All Security Alerts. Bug Fix Alerts. Bug Fix Alerts.com/. This chapter explains three ways to update your system: using Red Hat Network. using the online Errata List.1. A package is just a file that contains a software program.Chapter 15. Your RHN Red Hat Network saves users time because they receive email when updated packages are released. 15. and Enhancement Alerts (collectively known as Errata Alerts) can be downloaded directly from Red Hat using the Red Hat Update Agent standalone application or through the RHN website available at http://rhn. known as RPM packages. Red Hat Network installs the packages as well. Red Hat Network Red Hat Network is an Internet solution for managing one or more Red Hat Linux systems. Each Red Hat Network account comes with: • Errata Alerts — learn when Security Alerts.redhat. Users do not have to learn how to use RPM or worry about resolving software package dependencies. Figure 15-1. and using the Red Hat Linux Installation CD-ROMs.
Start scheduling updates through the RHN website or download and install Errata Updates with the Red Hat Update Agent.redhat. Execute the command up2date from a shell prompt. Log in to RHN at http://rhn. Installing and Updating Red Hat Linux Packages Figure 15-2. downloaded individual packages. 2.com/ and entitle the system to a service offering.124 Chapter 15. 3. Everyone receives a free Red Hat Network account for one system. Create a System Profile using one of the following methods: • • • Registering the system with RHN during the Setup Agent the first time your system boots after installation. Additional accounts can be purchased. Relevant Errata Automatic email notifications — receive an email notification when an Errata Alert is issued for your system Scheduled Errata Updates — schedule delivery of Errata Updates Package installation — Schedule package installation on one or more systems with the click of a button Red Hat Update Agent — use the Red Hat Update Agent to download the latest software packages for your system (with optional package installation) Red Hat Network website — manage multiple systems. Select Main Menu Button => System Tools => Red Hat Network on your desktop. . and schedule actions such as Errata Updates through a secure Web browser connection from any computer • • • • • To start using Red Hat Network. follow these three basic steps: 1.
Installation CD-ROMs Place the first Red Hat Linux CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive.redhat.4 Downloaded Packages. and Enhancement Alerts (collective known as Errata Alerts) can also be downloaded from the Red Hat website at http://www. It then prompts you for the root password so that you can install packages.com/help/basic/applet.redhat. All Security Alerts.3. Click on the Red Hat Linux version you are using to view a list of all available errata for Red Hat Linux. It also requires users to resolve software dependencies manually.2. tests and approves the RPMs posted on this site. Instructions for updating the packages are on the individual Errata pages. 15. Installing and Updating Red Hat Linux Packages 125 For more detailed instructions. Red Hat. Installing Software with the Package Management Tool .com/docs/manuals/RHNetwork/. read the Red Hat Network User Reference Guide available at http://www. Tip Red Hat Linux includes the Red Hat Network Notification Tool. Figure 15-3. Select Yes when asked if you want to run the autorun program from the CD.html 15.com/apps/support/errata/. Refer to the following URL for more information about the applet: http://rhn. Errata List It is recommended that new users use Red Hat Network to download and install/upgrade packages. A software dependency is when a package is dependent on other package being installed. the Package Management Tool interface appears and allows you to select packages groups to install as well as individual packages within the groups. Bug Fix Alerts.redhat. If you enter the correct root password. RPMs downloaded from other sites are not supported. Inc. Updating Errata packages from the Red Hat Linux Errata website is recommended for more experienced Red Hat Linux users.Chapter 15. Click on the name of the Errata Alert that you want to apply to your system. refer to Section 15. For more information about installing packages downloaded from our errata sites. a convenient panel icon that displays visible alerts when there is an update for your Red Hat Linux system.
15. . Installing and Updating Red Hat Linux Packages The Package Management Tool marks what packages are already installed on your system with a checkmark. Downloaded Packages If you have downloaded packages from an errata on the Red Hat website.3 Installation CD-ROMs. if there are dependencies. The Package Management Tool should open up and check the package for any dependencies you need to fulfill before installation. the package will be installed and you can immediately begin using the software from the installed package. such as package or library files needed. Figure 15-5. Figure 15-4. RPM Package Dependencies The packages necessary to fulfill the dependency issues can be installed by following the steps in Section 15. you can install them by opening your file manager and double-clicking the package you want to install.126 Chapter 15. remove the checkmark (see Figure 15-4). click the Update button to install or uninstall the selected packages. Refer to the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide for more information about the Package Management Tool. If all goes well. To uninstall a package.4. the Package Management Tool will alert you with suggested files and packages you need to install. You can add packages by clicking the checkbox next to each package. However. Individual Package Selection After selecting packages.
At a shell prompt. you should then be able to install the RPM file without further errors. you can log in using that user name and password. 16.localdomain by default. If you did not create a user account. so why will it not start? . refer to Section 1.6 Creating a User Account.com/docs/. also known as root. Localhost Login and Password I have installed Red Hat Linux. I think I have the right name. or received that information from a network. It is highly recommended that you create at least one user account for regular use of your Red Hat Linux system. but I still get "command not found" when I type its name. After rebooting. you are often required to make system-wide changes which only root can make.redhat. switch to the root user by running the following command: su After entering the root password when prompted. If you are getting an error message similar to failed to open /var/lib/rpm/packages. I get a message telling me it needs a localhost login and password. refer to the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide on the Red Hat Linux Documentation CD or online at http://www. 16. The root password is the system password you assigned during installation. you will not have permission to make such changes by default.3. What are these? Unless you specified a host name for your computer.Chapter 16. If you are using your normal user account. it is because you do not have proper permission to install RPM files. For more information about using RPM and Package Management Tool.2. Frequently Asked Questions This chapter answers some of the most common questions about using Red Hat Linux that you may ask as you become more familiar with it. From recovering forgotten passwords to troubleshooting package installation problems. it is asking you to log in to your system. You can create a new user after logging in as root with the User Manager graphical tool or the useradd shell prompt utility. 16. your Red Hat Linux installation will call your machine localhost. You need to be the root user in order to install RPM files. this chapter will ease you step-by-step through some common tasks and get you on your way. For more information. then you can log in as the super user. and everything seemed to go fine. If you created a user account with the Setup Agent. When you install software. such as creating new directories outside of your user home directory or making changes to your system configuration. When you get to that initial prompt.rpm. Error Messages During Installation of RPMs How do I install an RPM from a CD or the Internet? I keep getting an error message when I use rpm. Starting Applications I installed an application I downloaded from the Internet.1.
you will have to edit your PATH environment variable. imagine that you have downloaded the setiathome client application and want to try it out.bash_profile You will see a PATH statement. try typing out the full directory path before the name of the application's executable (such as /usr/local/bin/my-executable). You can open the file called . To do this. Now. such as gedit or vi. Frequently Asked Questions If you are trying to start an application from the shell prompt and it is not working. you will have to edit your user shell configuration file to add the directory containing the executable you wish to run.3. For example.bash_profile./ in front of the command. You can customize your settings so that you are not required to use the type the full path to the application each time. . at a shell prompt. You follow the directions for installing the software. 16. similar to the one shown below. add $HOME/seti as shown below: PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin:/usr/local/bin/:$HOME/seti: Save the file and exit the text editor. Caution These instructions are intended only for user accounts. You can then make the changes to .bash_profile. You can do this by adding the directory to your PATH environment variable.128 Chapter 16. because of the potential security risks. Start a text editor. start the application using the full path to the executable file as shown below: /home/joe/seti/setiathome The reason you may need to type the full pathnames in order to start an application is because the executable was not placed in a directory where your user shell environment knew it could be found (such as /usr/local/bin).bash_profile by typing the following: gedit .bash_profile take effect immediately by typing the following command: source .bash_profile By adding paths to your . Avoid modifying files such as the root user's . Editing Your PATH If you frequently start programs that are not located in a directory that your user shell has been configured to search. you can place utilities and programs in your path and be able to execute them without having to type . which creates a subdirectory in your home directory called seti/.1. PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin:/usr/local/bin: To the end of this statement.
Create a directory in which the Windows partition will be mounted by typing the following command. which lists detailed information about the hardware in your Red Hat Linux system.Chapter 16. log in as root (type su and then enter the root password) at a shell prompt. Figure 16-1 shows Hardware Browser in action. if your Windows partition uses NTFS. Frequently Asked Questions 129 Tip For more information about using and configuring your shell prompt refer to Chapter 13 Shell Prompt Basics. Note the Device information for your Windows partition.4. To find this information. choose Main Menu => System Tools => Hardware Browser. you can use the Hardware Browser. Windows partitions normally use the FAT or FAT32 file system type. For example: mkdir /mnt/windows . a Windows partition). Once you have determined where your Windows partition is located on your hard drive. 16. Hardware Browser hard disk device listing Select Hard Drives from the panel and find your Windows partition from the Disk Information displayed. Accessing a Windows Partition I have a dual-boot system with Red Hat Linux and Windows 98. Figure 16-1. then you cannot mount and read from it as Red Hat Linux does not support NTFS file systems. This file system type can be mounted and read within Linux. as this is the device that you mount to access your Windows data. however. You should first determine where your Windows partition is located by determining what physical hard disk your Windows partition is located in (such as the primary master IDE drive or the the first SCSI drive). Is there a way to access my Windows partition while I am running Linux? You can access another partition on your system (for example. To start the Hardware Browser. in two different ways.
you can search through the file for keywords using grep. surround the name of the directory or file with quotation marks. . but cannot recall its name. Frequently Asked Questions Before you can access the partition. and I did not write it down. this file records the last 500 commands you typed at the shell prompt. type the command cd /mnt/windows.bash_history. 16. Paging through . su to root. press the [b] key. Alternatively. following the above example.umask=0 0 0 Save the file and exit your text editor. At a shell prompt. You can glimpse the history of your commands by typing history at the shell prompt. you must modify the /etc/fstab file.bash_history at the shell prompt and the results will display one page at a time. see Section 16. as in ls "Program Files".bash_history to find a command can be tedious.5. For other tips and tricks. How do I get the man page back? The command you used will most likely be stored in a file called . press [q]. To move forward a screen. To access the partition at a shell prompt. which configures all file systems and disk device mounting options.6 Tips on Using Command History. the /etc/fstab file is read. As root. you will need to mount it in the directory you just created. type the following command at a shell prompt (where /dev/hda1 is the Windows partition you found via Hardware Browser): mount -t vfat /dev/hda1 /mnt/windows You may then logout of root user mode and access your Windows data by changing into the mounted Windows partition: cd /mnt/windows To automatically mount a Windows partition every time you boot your Red Hat Linux system. To navigate through directories or files with spaces. press the [Space] bar.bash_history is with a utility such as less. Type less . open the /etc/fstab in a text editor by typing (for example): gedit /etc/fstab Add the following on a new line (replacing /dev/hda1 with the Windows partition you found via Hardware Browser): /dev/hda1 /mnt/windows vfat auto. type: history | grep man You will see a list of all the commands you typed which have the word man in them. Say you were reading the man page the day before. Another way to view . The next time the system is rebooted. but I cannot remember the name of the command I was reading about. Next. and the Windows partition is automatically mounted in the directory /mnt/windows. There are plenty of ways to your command history. By default. To search for the command. to move back a screen. but the results will speed by too quickly for your to read ever line. a powerful search utility. and to quit. Finding Commands Quickly I was looking at a man page yesterday.130 Chapter 16.
Frequently Asked Questions 131 16. How can I actually read the output? To prevent the output of ls from scrolling by too quickly. type the following command at the shell prompt: ls -al /etc | less To move forward a screen. you can press the up arrow to move back through previous commands in your history list (the down arrow will move you forward through the commands) until you find the command you want. If you have configured a printer. or "page" at at time. [Up arrow] and [down arrow]: At the shell or GUI terminal prompt.1.1. Printing ls Output You can also print directory listings by piping the output to a printer in the same way that you piped the output to your screen. You probably do not need to see all of the last 500 commands.7. Press [Enter] to execute the command. "Bang number": Typing !number (as in !302) will execute the command which is numbered 302 in the history file.7. press the [b] key. 16. another paging utility. type the following to pipe the output of a command to the printer: ls -al /etc | lpr . press [q]. pipe the output to a utility such as less or more.Chapter 16. You will then be able to see the output one screen. 16.6. press [Space] bar. Other Shortcuts Here are other command history shortcuts which may be useful to you: • • • • "Bang. you will see a numbered list scroll by very quickly. showing you the previous 500 commands you have used. only the previous 20 commands you typed will display (you can use any quantity as an argument of the history command).6. bang": Typing !! (called "bang bang") executes the last command in the history. Tips on Using Command History What are some other ways I can use command history? If you type history. This way. Keep ls Output from Scrolling Whenever I type ls I can barely see the output of the directory because it scrolls by too quickly. just as if you had typed it on the command line. To read the contents of /etc with less. "Bang string": Typing !string (as in !rpm) will execute a command with the most recent matching string from the history file. so the command history 20 might be useful. to move back a screen. 16. to quit. You can achieve the same results with more.
Open a shell prompt and type the following: passwd username Replace username with your normal user name. 2. If you're in your user account. To enter single-user mode. The passwd command will then ask for the new password. then you can log in to root as you normally would. After it finishes loading. by changing just one number in the runlevel section. Press [Enter] to make the editing change take effect. Press the Spacebar once to add a blank space.4 ro root=/dev/hda2 Press the arrow key until this line is highlighted and press [e]. How do I log in now? You can log in using single-user mode and create a new root password. Look for the line that looks similar to the following: kernel /vmlinuz-2.4. From here. 3. 16.05# 5. /etc/inittab. GRUB. Open a shell prompt. Forgotten Password Help! I forgot my root password. You can then reboot by typing reboot at the prompt. the password will be changed. Once you are finished.18-0. reboot the computer. You can now change the root password by typing bash# passwd root You will be asked to re-type the password for verification. you can configure your system so that you can log in directly to X. You must edit one file. then add the word single to tell GRUB to boot into single-user Linux mode. You will be brought back to the edit mode screen. The next time you log in. Changing Login from Console to X at Startup How do I change my login from the console to the graphical screen? Instead of logging in to your system at the console and typing the startx command to start the X Window System. 4. Password Maintenance I forgot or want to change my user account password. type [e] to enter into editing mode. If you use the default boot loader. which you will need to enter twice. press [b] and GRUB will boot single-user Linux mode. Frequently Asked Questions 16.9.132 Chapter 16. You can now use the new password to log in to your user account. you will be presented with a shell prompt similar to the following: sh-2. su to root by typing su .8. reboot your computer. When you are finished. At the boot loader menu. You will be presented with a boot entry listing.10. you can enter single user mode by performing the following: 1. 16. you will have a graphical login prompt.
Multiuser. Type [Y] for yes.halt (Do NOT set initdefault to this) # 1 . your next login after reboot will be from the graphical screen. Within the first screen. if you do not have networking) # 3 . . and asking you to confirm your change.Full multiuser mode # 4 . type gedit /etc/inittab to edit the file with gedit.Chapter 16.unused # 5 . The file /etc/inittab will open. To change from a console to a graphical login. you should change the number in the line Warning Change only the number of the default runlevel from 3 to 5. The runlevels used by RHS are: # 0 . save and exit the file using the [Ctrl]-[x] keys.reboot (Do NOT set initdefault to this) # id:3:initdefault: id:3:initdefault: from a 3 to a 5. Your changed line should look like the following: id:5:initdefault: When you are satisfied with your change. you will see a section of the file which looks like this: # Default runlevel.Single user mode # 2 . without NFS (The same as 3. You will see a message telling you that the file has been modified. Now. Frequently Asked Questions 133 Now.X11 # 6 .
Frequently Asked Questions .134 Chapter 16.
Using The Desktop Once you start KDE. and customizing the desktop to suit your needs. visit the official website at http://www. working with files and applications. A. your default desktop will look similar to Figure A-2.org. The opening screen of the HelpCenter browser appears like Figure A-1. working with the many applications included with KDE.3. A. From this main page.kde. menus. Introducing KDE The K Desktop Environment (KDE) is a graphical desktop that uses common graphical objects such as icons. KDE: The K Desktop Environment A. . it allows you to access your Red Hat Linux system and applications using your mouse and keyboard. you can view help documentation on topics such as using and configuring the desktop. and panels. If you would like to learn more about KDE. right-click on the desktop and select the Help => K Desktop Handbook. Finding Help You can access a comprehensive set of documentation about KDE through the HelpCenter.1. and working with the Konquerer file manager.Appendix A. This appendix covers the basics of using KDE: system navigation.2. Figure A-1. To access HelpCenter from the desktop. windows. The HelpCenter You can access the HelpCenter from the Main Menu by selecting Help.
and double-clicking mouse buttons and chording keystrokes to create time-saving shortcuts. and the desktop manager. The panel taskbar shows your currently running applications. The desktop itself is also highly customizable. Configuration tools are also available which allow you to customize the way the desktop behaves at events such as single. You can access any one of these resources by double-clicking on the associated icon. The long bar across the bottom of the desktop is the panel. your home directory. By default. The panel contains application launchers. KDE: The K Desktop Environment Figure A-2. panel. You can also add new icons for all types of applications and resources to the desktop. A Typical KDE Desktop The KDE desktop displays application launchers. status indicators. and other commonly used applications. and Copy. the Start Here icon for applications and configuration tools. When you right-click on these icons. and a diskette icon. You can drag and drop unwanted items such as files you no longer need to the Trash icon. You can change the appearance of buttons. and backgrounds. The KDE desktop works similarly to other graphical desktop environments. . and so on. window and frame decorations. file folders. you see several options for working with these resources. Icons located on the desktop can be files. device links. You can have up to 16 desktops running at the same time in KDE. folders.4. such as Delete. Move to Trash. You can drag and drop files and application icons to any location on the desktop. or application launchers. it contains the main menu icon and quick-launch icons for starting a Web browser. Click on an icon to open the associated resource. or file manager. Rename. email client. A. Using The Panel The panel stretches across the bottom of the desktop. document windows. word processor.136 Appendix A. Right-click on the trash can and select Empty Trash Bin to delete the items from your system permanently. You can also access the main menu and configure the desktop to suit your needs. The default KDE desktop displays icons for the trash can.
find files. Figure A-4. From the Main Menu. Applications and utilities can be added easily to the panel. There are several types of applets performing functions such as system monitoring. . Office. time and date display.1. To add an application launcher to the panel. The Panel The panel is highly configurable. You can add and remove buttons that launch applications easily. including Graphics. Then select Application Button and make your choice from the menus. A. You can configure panel orientation and size. Panel Settings Other tabs in Settings contain options to further customize your panel and taskbar. Clicking on the Main Menu icon on the panel displays a large master menu from which you can perform tasks such as launch applications. and customize your main menu. Games. which will display a password-protected screensaver.2. Click on Help for more information on these options. The main menu also contains several submenus that organize applications and tools into several categories. you can lock your screen.4. and more. Using The Main Menu The Main Menu is the central point for using KDE. A. KDE: The K Desktop Environment 137 Figure A-3. right-click on the panel and choose Add. Right-click on the panel and select Configure Panel to open the panel Settings. This section covers them in detail. and launching applications by typing commands in a text box. You can also run applications from a command line as well as logout of your KDE session. and configure your desktop. There are some applets that run on the panel by default. Using Applets Applets are small applications that run on the panel.4. set a panel hiding configuration (where the panel remains hidden until you hover over the panel area).Appendix A. Click Help at any time to learn more about configuring your panel. Internet.
Working with Multiple Desktops Appendix A. For example. while you are writing a message in Evolution on desktop one. KDE provides four desktops that you can use to display multiple applications without having to crowd all of them onto one desktop.) by deleting the default names and typing a new name in each desktop's corresponding text box.1. you will see a brief menu of actions you can choose. . and Paths. You can also change the number of desktops available to you by adjusting the slider in the Number of Desktops. Each desktop can hold icons. For example.org Writer word processor open on desktop three. For more desktops. and so on.4. uncheck the Common Background checkbox. Desktop 2. the KDE desktop configuration tool will open. for fewer desktops. Select Configure Desktop. Click the Multiple Desktops icon (see Figure A-5). KDE: The K Desktop Environment By default.2. Behavior. click the Background icon. Virtual Desktop Configuration You can change the names of your desktops (from Desktop 1. to customize each virtual desktop to have different backgrounds. Right-click on the desktop. and be individually customized. you can have Mozilla browsing the Web on desktop two. etc. You can change the number and names of desktops available in KDE by making these adjustments: 1. and choose the color or image you want to make your background using the associated tabs. 2. and Background icons are where you can make various desktop configuration changes.138 A. drag the bar to the right. click the virtual desktop you want to change. Figure A-5. drag the bar to the left. The Appearance. the OpenOffice. open applications. 3.
hold down both the [Alt]-[Tab] key.2. Click on a tile to move to a different desktop. To pick an item from the taskbar. KDE: The K Desktop Environment 139 Figure A-6. both minimized and displayed. hold down the [Alt] key. and so on. For example. Tip Another way to bring minimized or background windows to the front is to use the [Alt] and [Tab] keys. Applications on the Taskbar You can maximize running applications or bring them to the front of your working windows by clicking on the associated item on the taskbar. . [Ctrl]-[F2] switches to desktop two. Figure A-7.Appendix A. Tip You can use the keyboard combination of the [Ctrl] and Function keys to switch desktops. Click OK to close the desktop configuration tool. Desktop Background Configuration After you make any adjustments to your desktop configuration. release both keys and the application appears on the desktop. on all desktops. Viewing The Taskbar The taskbar displays all running applications.2. Buttons for your desktops appear on the panel in the Desktop Pager. [Ctrl]-[F3] takes you to desktop three.4. To scroll through the tasks. A. while tapping the [Tab] key. When you have found the task you want to maximize and bring to the front. click Apply to save the changes.
click on your home directory icon . Figure A-8.4. Click Apply then OK to close the Settings dialog. you can return to your home directory by clicking the Home button on the toolbar. A. configure your Red Hat Linux system.4. A. you can include additional launcher icons to start applications without using the main menu or Start Here. and change the way it behaves.5. This section explains some of the ways Konqueror can help you work with and enjoy your Red Hat Linux system. allowing you to navigate through your home directory and throughout your Red Hat Linux file system. place it on any edge of your desktop. The Konqueror File Manager .4. The Settings window will appear. and so on). right-click the panel and choose Configure Panel. Choose the Hiding tab. and more from one interface. or any one of the specific properties (Arrangement. click Hide automatically. play multimedia files. right-click the panel and choose Add => Application Button and choose the application or resource you wish to add to the panel. The panel will remain hidden until you hover over the panel area to make it reappear. To start Konqueror for file management. Konqueror allows you to configure your KDE desktop. To add a new launcher to the panel. KDE: The K Desktop Environment A. where Application is the name of the application associated with the icon. Konqueror will open up in a window on your desktop. Menus. Hiding. To alter the default panel settings.3. browse digital images. This automatically adds an icon on the panel. Adding Icons and Applets to the Panel To further customize the panel for your particular needs. You can move the icon anywhere you want on the panel by right-clicking the icon and choosing Move Application Button. After exploring. and adjust the number of seconds to elapse before the panel is hidden. Configuring the KDE Panel You can hide the panel automatically or manually. change its size and color.140 Appendix A. surf the Web. allowing you to adjust all panel settings. Managing Files Konqueror is the file manager and a Web browser for the KDE desktop.
but with component technology used throughout KDE. images. It can also preview sounds from digital audio files. This panel appears on the left side of the Konqueror file browser window by default. Working with the Navigation Panel The navigation panel lets you access your Web bookmarks.6. network resources.Appendix A. . You can also delete files and folders by right-clicking on the item and choosing Delete.5. Konqueror is also a full featured Web browser. The navigation panel makes Konqueror an efficient solution for users who want fast and easy access to all of their files and information. Figure A-9 shows the navigation panel. which you can use to explore the World Wide Web. Browsing the Web with Konqueror Konqueror not only allows you to browse your local and network file system. and has a built-in media player for playing multimedia files without having to open a separate application. A. KDE: The K Desktop Environment 141 You can navigate through the file system by clicking on folders within the main window frame or through the hierarchical file system viewer on the navigation panel as shown in Figure A-8. and Web files. To launch Konqueror choose Main Menu => Internet => More Internet Applications => Konqueror Web Browser. A. Figure A-9. The navigation panel makes many of your sytem resources available to you in convenient tabbed icons. PostScript/PDF files. Konqueror also displays thumbnail icons for text. browsing history. file system. The Navigation Panel Another useful feature of Konqueror is the navigation panel. Files and folders in the main window frame can be moved or copied to another folder or sent to the trash.1.
plug-ins. . featured protocols. you will be presented with an Introduction screen. For additional information on using Konqueror. click on Help (on the top menu panel) and then on Konqueror Handbook. you will be presented with the Tips page. This page shows you basic tips for using Konqueror so that you can begin to take advantage of the many features. KDE: The K Desktop Environment Figure A-10. This screen displays information on supported standards (such as Cascading Stylesheets. To begin your Web session. Welcome to Konqueror When you first launch Konqueror. This screen offers basic instructions for browsing webpages. By clicking Continue from the Tips screen. enter a URL in the Location field. you will see the Specifications screen. and more.142 Appendix A. and OpenSSL). If you click Continue at the end of the webpage.
Figure A-12. Using Konqueror as an image browser works similarly to Nautilus (see Chapter 11 Working with Images for more information). Using Konqueror to View Images You can also use the Konqueror file manager to view images. When you double-click on a thumbnail icon. KDE: The K Desktop Environment 143 Figure A-11. Image files automatically generate thumbnail image icons for you to preview within the file browser window. The Konqueror Handbook A. as shown in Figure A-12.Appendix A.7. the browser displays the image in its native size. click on your home directory desktop icon to access the Konqueror file manager: . If you chose KDE as your default desktop environment. Viewing an Image in Konqueror .
A pop-up menu will appear allowing you to open the application you wish to use. To open KMail. To begin sending and receiving messages you will have to change the settings in the Identities and Network tabs. To run the configuration tool. and click on Configure KMail. as shown in Figure A-13. Rightclick on the image. choose Open With. Figure A-13..org. as well as with The GIMP. then Other. This will re-display the image and allow you to rotate and zoom in on the image using the two magnifying glass icons or the magnification percentage drop-down menu on the toolbar.8. Network. It has an intuitive graphical interface similar to Evolution that allows you to send and receive email using a graphical interface. Security. as seen in Figure A-14.. Figure A-14. choose Graphics and scroll down the list of applications. To launch the GIMP. The Configure Mail Client window consists of the following sections: Identities. you must configure it so it can send and receive mail. choose View => View Mode => Image Viewer Part. Appearance. The Open With. Composer.. Before you can really use KMail. Dialog Box A... you first need to change the way Konqueror renders the image. refer to the KMail user manual (Help => KMail Handbook) or visit KMail's homepage at http://kmail. Have your email information from your service provider or administrator handy so that you can fill in the required information to begin using KMail. Click on the GIMP icon and click OK. From the window menu. KMail KMail is an email tool for KDE. .. Image viewing configuration on the Konqueror Toolbar You can also open the image with more advanced image viewers. and Folders. click on the Main Menu => Internet => More Internet Applications => KMail. For additional information. KDE: The K Desktop Environment To zoom in and out of an image.. select Settings from the KMail toolbar.144 Appendix A..kde.
emails ready to be sent. and more. To compose a mail. The folders on the left side of the KMail screen allow you to view emails you have received. KMail Main Screen Once you have your email settings configured. KMail New Email Message Screen . click on the new message icon in the tool bar: Figure A-16. KDE: The K Desktop Environment 145 Figure A-15. you can begin sending and receiving email.Appendix A. emails you have sent.
assigning all digital music files to open in XMMS instead of the default player). You will need your root password to configure most of these options. screensavers. you can also configure accessibility features such as audible and visual cues and keyboard/mouse customization. KDE: The K Desktop Environment Once you have composed a message and entered an email address to send the email to. and window border appearance. and enhanced browsing using keyword shortcuts. A. available by selecting Main Menu => Control Center. This section allows you to configure system boot settings. click Send in the toolbar: . login management. plugins. The following list explains some of the configuration options in detail. themes. From the Main Menu. where User is your account username. select Logout User where User is your account username. Linux kernel configuration. You can configure options such as cache sizes. panel elements. You can customize background images and configure fonts. right-click on the desktop and. website cookies.9. from the menu. Customizing KDE KDE allows you to configure the desktop and your system to suit your needs. KDE Components This section lets you configure the Konqueror file manager and customize certain file operations. In either case click Logout and your session will end. Logging Out of KDE There are two ways to log out of your KDE session. lets you customize the look and behavior of the desktop. You can also associate files to applications that you prefer (for example. A. You can also customize mouse and keyboard events which makes working with the desktop as efficient for your needs as possible. Appearance & Themes This sections allows you to customize the visual aspect of your desktop environment. Figure A-17.146 Appendix A. Regional & Accessibility This section allows you to set country and language options to your particular locale. Web Browsing This section allows you to configure the Konqueror Web browser. The KDE Control Center. select Logout User. proxy settings (if available). KDE Logout Screen . and more. System Administration This section is an advanced system configuration interface.10. icons. For users with sight or hearing impairments. It is strongly recommended that you leave these settings at their default values unless you understand the consequences of changing them. To log out from the desktop.
Volume Monitor (VUMeter) Extras KWord Gnumeric. KDE Sound Mixer. CD Player (GNOME CD). Category Word Processors Spreadsheets Presentations Charts and Diagrams Graphics Image Viewers Digital Cameras/Scanners PDAs CD Recording Text Editors Email Clients Web Browsers Chat/Instant Messaging PDF/PostScript Viewers Personal Finance Fax Sound Recommended Application OpenOffice. Mozilla Mail. Applications in between (parentheses) denotes the formal name of the application. mutt Galeon. The GIMP KPilot. Kivio. KDE CD Player. The GIMP Scan and OCR Program (Kooka).org Calc OpenOffice. MagicPoint Kchart. Konquerer. aumix. KMid Sound Recorder (GNOME Sound). Scanning (XSane) Jpilot CD Creator. Evolution KOnCD vi.org Impress Dia The GIMP. Applications . Applications The following table shows some of the Red Hat Linux applications that are available to perform many common tasks. cdrecord.org Write OpenOffice. Emacs. links. XFig Icon Editor (K Icon Editor) Image Viewer (Kuickshow). Kate Kmail. Chatzilla Ghostview Table B-1. This is not a complete list of all applications available. X-CD-Roast Text Editor (gedit) Evolution Mozilla Instant Messenger (GAIM) xpdf Gnucash Fax Viewer (KFax) Audio Player (XMMS). lynx X-Chat. Paint Program (KPaint) GThumb Digital Camera Tool (gtKam). KSpread KPresenter.Appendix B.
148 Appendix B. Applications .
Note that these commands usually have a number of options. some commands are identical.txt mv thisfile. Command's Purpose Copies files Moves files Lists files Clears screen Closes shell prompt Displays or sets date Deletes files "Echoes" output to the screen Edits files with simple text editor Compares the contents of files Finds a string of text in a file Formats a diskette MS-DOS copy move dir cls exit date del echo edit fc find format a: Linux cp mv ls clear exit date rm echo gedit(a) diff grep mke2fs or mformat(b) man(c) mkdir less(d) mv(e) Basic Linux Example cp thisfile. This appendix provides common commands used at the DOS prompt in Windows and their counterparts in Linux. type man ls at the shell prompt to read about the ls command).txt (if diskette is in A:) /sbin/mke2fs /dev/fd0 (/dev/fd0 is the Linux equivalent of A:) man command mkdir directory less thisfile.txt Displays command help Creates a directory Views a file Renames a file command /? mkdir more ren . To learn more about each command.txt echo this message gedit thisfile.txt diff file1 file2 grep this word or phrase thisfile.Appendix C.txt thatfile. read its associated man page (for example.txt /home/thisdirectory mv thisfile. A Comparison of Common DOS and Linux Commands Many Linux commands typed at a shell prompt are similar to the commands you would type in DOS. In fact.txt /home/thisdirectory ls clear exit date rm thisfile. Basic examples of how the command are used at the Linux shell prompt are also provided.
. This formats a disk for the DOS file system. The mv command can both move a file and. b. cd . "move" that file to the same directory with a new name. The more pager can also be used to page through a file one screen at a time. e. A Comparison of Common DOS and Linux Commands MS-DOS chdir Linux pwd Basic Linux Example pwd Changes directories cd with a specified pathname path (absolute path) Changes directories cd . Gedit is a graphical text editor.. date free date free Notes: a. if you want to rename a file in the same directory. with a relative path Displays the time Shows amount of RAM in use time mem cd pathname cd /directory/directory cd . as seen in this example. d. other editors you can use in place of Gedit include Emacs and vi. Similar Commands . c. Table C-1.150 Command's Purpose Displays your location in the file system Appendix C. You can also use info for some commands..
— For variable (or constantly changing) files. . The directory /usr/bin/ also stores user commands. refer to the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide and the Red Hat Linux Reference Guide. — A virtual file system (not actually stored on the disk) that contains system information used by certain programs. System Directories This is a list of the primary Red Hat Linux system directories. that is used to mount the initrd. the superuser. — This directory typically contains the mount points for file systems mounted after the system is booted. — Contains the kernel and other files used during system startup. Each directory is described briefly.img image file and load needed device • /proc/ • /initrd/ — A directory modules during bootup. • /sbin/ — Location of many system commands. — The home directory of root. such as log files and the printer spool. Used by fsck to place orphaned files (files without names). /tmp/ allows all users on a system read • /home/ • /opt/ — Default location of user home directories. — Stores device files. The directory /usr/lib/ contains more library files for user applications. — Contains configuration files and directories. • /root/ • /mnt/ • /boot/ • /lost+found/ — • /lib/ — Contains many library files used by programs in /bin/ and /sbin/. — Directory where optional files and programs are stored. • /bin/ — Used to store user commands. The directory /usr/sbin/ also contains many system commands. This directory is used mainly by third-party developers for easy installation and uninstallation of their software packages. You will be unable to boot your computer if you delete the directory and then reboot your Red Hat Linux system. Warning Do not delete the /initrd/ directory. such as shutdown. • /dev/ • /etc/ • /var/ • /usr/ — Contains files and directories directly relating to users of the system. such as programs and supporting library files. the default CD-ROM mount point is /mnt/cdrom/. For additional directory information. directory for users and programs. For example. • /tmp/ — The temporary and write access.Appendix D.
System Directories .152 Appendix D.
This shortcut does the same thing as typing clear at a command line.Appendix E. Click the middle mouse button to paste it. • • • • • • • • • • • • • . [Tab] = command autocomplete. [Ctrl] + [a] = moves cursor to the beginning of a line.dk/linux-newbie/lnag_commands. [Up] and [Down] Arrow = shows command history. Use this if the normal exit procedure does not work. Type this at a shell prompt to see a numbered list of the previous 1000 commands you typed. Many more are available in addition to what is listed here. [Ctrl] + [e] = moves cursor to end of a line. [Ctrl] + [l] = clears the terminal. Point the cursor to the spot where you want it pasted. history 20. [Alt] + [Tab] = switches tasks in a graphical desktop environment. history = shows history of commands. This works in most text editors and in the URL field in Mozilla. use this shortcut to clear the current line from the cursor all the way to the beginning of the line. clear = clears the shell prompt screen. Use this quick shortcut instead of typing exit or logout. if you configured your mouse to emulate a third mouse button. [Ctrl] + [d] = logout of (and close) shell prompt. If you have more than one application open at a time. Type this at a shell prompt to logout of the current user or root account. It will automatically complete the command or show all commands that match the characters you typed. [Ctrl]+[Alt] + one of the function keys displays an available screen. you can click both the left and right mouse buttons simultaneously to perform a paste. Use the left mouse button to highlight the text. Shuts down your current session and reboots the OS. [Middle Mouse Button] = pastes highlighted text. If you are working in a terminal. visit: http://sunsite. Type this at a shell prompt to refresh the screen if characters are unclear or appear corrupt. Kills your graphical desktop session and returns you to the login screen. Use this command when using a shell prompt. exit = logout. For more command line and keyboard shortcuts. Type this command to clear all visible data from the shell prompt screen. press [Enter]. When you see the command you want to use. This works in most text editors and in the URL field in Mozilla. [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Fn] = switches screens. In a two mouse system.html#shortcuts • • • [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Backspace] = kills your current X session. When using a shell prompt. reset = refreshes the shell prompt screen. Use only when the normal shutdown procedure does not work. By default. [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Delete] = shutdown and reboots your Red Hat Linux system. [Ctrl] + [u] = clears the current line. For example. type history followed by a space and a number. press the [up] or [down] arrow to scroll through a history of commands you have typed from the current directory. you can use [Alt] + [Tab] to switch among open tasks and applications. Keyboard Shortcuts Here are a few keyboard shortcuts you can use to perform common tasks quickly. [F1] through [F6] are shell prompt screens and [F7] is the graphical desktop screen. To display a shorter list of previously used commands. Type the first few characters of a command or filename and then press the [Tab] key.
Keyboard Shortcuts .154 Appendix E.
31 CDs. 95 DOS. 28 bzip2. 93 ls. 30 and X-CD-Roast. deleting) stringing together.Index A accounts creating. 94 multiple. 30 and X-CD-Roast. 103 tips. 30 and mkisofs. 104 print working directory (pwd). 30 with X-CD-Roast. 96 command history. 131 ls -a. 90 pwd. using. 140 adding to the panel. 28 CD-writable (CD-R). 130 locate. 32 with CD Creator. 27 and cdrecord. 32 and CD Creator. 98 applets adding to KDE panel. 32 and CD Creator. 108 clear. 73 chmod. 108 clear. 131 command line options printing from. common options with. 94 ls.org Draw. 92 tail. 101 history. 104 su. 27 and cdrecord. 101 cat. 69 creating user accounts. 130 grep. 147 starting from shell prompt. 105 numerical settings. 93 ls -al. 90 CD-rewritable (CD-RW). 60 . 14 panel in KDE. 127 archiving files. 149 finding. 113 commands (See shell prompt) cat. 30 and mkisofs. 27 with cdrecord. 16 on the desktop panel. 115 burning CDs. 127 compressing files. 96 cron. deleting) rm -r (See directories. 30 with mkisofs. 93 keeping output from scrolling. 26 additional resources. 96 cd. 90 chmod. 137 applications and Red Hat Linux. playing. 101 common user questions. 26 additional resources. 90 change directories. 26 additional resources. 7 B bunzip2. 101 head. 7 appending standard output. 28 cdrecord. ii copying and pasting text when using X. 90 reset. 96 rm (See files. 96 cd. v creating graphics with OpenOffice. 105 numerical settings. 115 C cat. 113 conventions document.
119 deleting. 87 DHCP. 45 Evolution. 23 unmounting. 113 with File Roller. 89 moving. 50 . 119 formats. 120 diskettes. 112 files archived. 63 OpenOffice. 119 copying at a shell prompt. 129 finding previous used commands. 114 compressed. 87 directories changing. 138 devices digital cameras. 50 plain text. 69 environment variables PATH. 127 feedback contact information for this manual. 127 starting applications. 119 deleting. 119 renaming at a shell prompt. 130 history tips and tricks. 114 copying. 112 managing from shell prompt. 14 background changing. 49 mutt. 70 dot files (See hidden files) drag and drop. 23 using. 132 permissions for installing RPMs. 112 Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. 21 dateconfig (See Time and Date Properties Tool) desktop (See graphical desktop) applets. 112 floppy disks (See diskettes) E email clients. 63 OpenOffice. 46 KMail. 119 types of. 111 file types. 128 errata updating with. 81 KDE. 121 deleting at a shell prompt. 119 creating touch. 89 moving. 90 copying. 121 descriptions. v FHS (See Filesystem Hierarchy Standard) file.org Writer. 24 F FAQ.org Draw. 131 login problems.156 D date configuration. 64 PDF. 131 keeping ls output from scrolling. 35 documents. 23 formatting. 135 desktops multiple KDE. 23 DNS definition. 18. 113 with File Roller. 112 archiving. 25 mounting. 35 digital cameras. 50 mutt. 140 Nautilus. 113 file manager for KDE. 24 mke2fs. 93 managing from shell prompt.org. 48 Newsgroups. 114 file system understanding. 112 compressing. 72 text files. v drawing OpenOffice. 16 file managers. 144 Mozilla Mail. 127 accessing a Windows partition. 111 File Roller. 125 Evolution (See email clients) ext2 file system and floppy disks. 151 listing contents. 120 moving at a shell prompt.
formatting diskettes, 24
images additional resources, 85 manipulation, 79 GIMP, 82 viewing, 79, 79 gThumb, 80 Konqueror, 143 Nautilus, 79 Internet configuring, 35 Internet Configuration Wizard, 35 introduction, i IP address, 35
games and amusements, 76 finding more online, 77 getting started logging in, 5 Setup Agent, 1 GIMP, 82 opening a file, 83 saving a file, 84 GNOME desktop (See graphical desktop) GNOME Print Manager, 58 change printer settings, 59 graphical desktop, 13 applets, 16 background changing, 18, 81 customizing, 18 logging out of, 20 main menu, 14 Nautilus, 16 panel, 14 Start Here , 17 using, 13 workspace, 13 graphical login changing to, 132 graphics GIMP, 82 gThumb, 80 changing wallpaper with, 81 gunzip, 115 gzip, 115
KDE, 135 applets adding, 140 multiple desktops, 138 customizing, 146 desktop, 135 desktop icons, 136 desktops multiple, 138 switching, 139 documentation, 135 Konqueror navigation panel, 141 main menu, 137 panel, 136 applets, 137 switching tasks, 139 Taskbar, 139 website, 135 keyboard shortcuts, 153 KMail (See email clients) Konqueror (See Web browsers) KDE file manager, 140 navigation panel, 141 viewing images with, 143
Hardware Browser, 129 help with KDE finding, 135 hidden files, 93 history finding commands using, 130
less, 100 linux commands (See shell prompt) listing directories (See commands, ls) log in, 5 logging in, 5 graphical, 132 graphical login, 6 virtual console login, 6 logging out, 11 from the desktop, 20 KDE, 146 login problems using single-user mode, 132 ls, 93 printing output, 131 viewing output, 131
configuring, 21 ntpd, 21 ntpd, 21
online connecting with Internet Configuration Wizard, 35 OpenOffice.org, 63 Draw, 69 features, 63 Impress, 67 Writer, 64, 65 ownership and permissions, 105
pagers, 100 less, 100 panel configuring, 16 configuring the, 140 KDE, 136 adding applications, 137 customizing, 137 hiding, 137 on the graphical desktop, 14 partitions accessing Windows, 129 password forgotten, 132 passwords secure, 8 PATH, 128 editing, 127 pathnames relative and absolute, 90 PDF viewing, 72 xpdf, 72 peripherals digital cameras, 87 permissions numerical settings, 108 setting for new RPMs, 127 permissions and ownership, 105 pipes, 100 plain text (See text files) Point-to-Point Protocol, 35 PPP, 35 presentations OpenOffice.org Impress, 67 printer configuration adding
main menu in KDE, 137 on the desktop, 14 mke2fs, 25 mkisofs, 31 mouse how to use, v Mozilla (See Web browsers) Mozilla Mail (See email clients) music Ogg Vorbis, 73 Wave, 73 XMMS, 73 using, 74 mutt (See email clients)
Nautilus, 16 disabling text icons, 17 disabling thumbnails, 17 viewing images with, 79 Network Time Protocol (See NTP) new users creating accounts, 7 Newsgroups (See email clients) NTP
local printer, 53 cancel print job, 60 default printer, 56 delete existing printer, 56 driver options, 57 Assume Unknown Data is Text, 57 Convert Text to Postscript, 58 Effective Filter Locale, 58 GhostScript pre-filtering, 58 Media Source, 58 Page Size, 58 Prerender Postscript, 58 Send End-of-Transmission (EOT), 57 Send Form-Feed (FF), 57 edit driver, 57 edit existing printer, 56 GNOME Print Manager, 58 change printer settings, 59 local printer, 53 managing print jobs, 58 modifying existing printers, 56 notification icon, 59 printing from the command line, 60 rename existing printer, 57 test page, 56 viewing print spool, 59 viewing print spool, command line, 60 printing from command line, 95 pwd, 90
Setup Agent, 1 shell, 89 history of, 89 shell prompt, 7 basic commands, 89 chmod, 106 single-user mode, 132 software installing, 123 upgrading, 123 sound card configuring, 74 Sound Card Configuration Tool, 74 spreadsheets OpenOffice.org Calc, 65 standard input redirecting, 99 standard output appending, 98 redirecting, 96 Start Here, 17 changing desktop background with, 18 startup messages dmesg | more, 100 startx, 6 su, 92 superuser (See commands, su) switching desktops KDE, 139 switching tasks KDE, 139 system directories descriptions, 151
Red Hat Network, 123 Red Hat Update Agent, 123 redhat-config-date (See Time and Date Properties Tool) redhat-config-time (See Time and Date Properties Tool) redirecting standard input, 99 redirection, 96 reset, 96 RHN (See Red Hat Network) root, 111 and root login, 111 logging in as, 5 RPM, 125 installing packages, 123 upgrading packages, 123 RPMs error message while installing, 127 installing with Gnome-RPM, 127
tab completion, 103 Taskbar KDE, 139 terminal (See shell prompt) terms introductory, 3 text files, 70 editing, 70 from a shell prompt, 71 The Graphical Desktop, 6 time configuration, 21 synchronize with NTP server, 21 time zone configuration, 22 timetool (See Time and Date Properties Tool) Trash icon
100 V vi . 71 W wallpaper changing. 74 video card. 39 Windows accessing on a separate partition add line to /etc/fstab. 76 xpdf. 72 . 39 Konqueror.160 KDE. 7 importance of. 115 user account creating. 39 Mozilla. 96 less. 76 U unzip. 18 Web browsers. 136 troubleshooting sound card. 39 using. 129 World Wide Web browsers. 141 Mozilla. 5 utilities cat. 39 X X Configuration Tool.
and warning). tip. important. Contributing Writer to the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide. caution. Co-writer/Comaintainer of the Red Hat Linux Security Guide. Co-writer/Comaintainer of the Red Hat Linux Security Guide. Bailey — Primary Writer/Maintainer of the Red Hat Linux System Administration Primer. Contributing Writer to the Red Hat Linux System Administration Primer John Ha — Primary Writer/Maintainer to the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide. Contributing Writer to the Red Hat Linux x86 Installation Guide Johnray Fuller — Primary Writer/Maintainer of the Red Hat Linux Reference Guide.1 format. They may be freely redistributed with the Red Hat documentation. Contributing Writer to the Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide Tammy Fox — Primary Writer/Maintainer of the Red Hat Linux Customization Guide. Contributing Writer to the Red Hat Linux System Administration Primer . Garrett LeSage created the admonition graphics (note. Writer/Maintainer of custom DocBook stylesheets and scripts Edward C. The Red Hat Linux Product Documentation Team consists of the following people: Sandra A. The HTML and PDF formats are produced using custom DSSSL stylesheets and custom jade wrapper scripts. The DocBook SGML files are written in Emacs with the help of PSGML mode.Colophon The Red Hat Linux manuals are written in DocBook SGML v4. Moore — Primary Writer/Maintainer of the Red Hat Linux x86 Installation Guide.
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